ASA
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Aspirin is an irreversible COX 1 and COX 2 enzyme inhibitor which reduces prostaglandin synthesis. It also inhibits the formation of thromboxane A2 which reduces platelet aggregation(1). In the management of cold sore, it is thought that ASA inhibits viral protein synthesis through its anti-inflammatory mechanism(2). Primary literature for the use of ASA in preventing and treating cold sores are very few and conflicting. ASA should not be considered for the prevention and treatment of cold sores. There is an animal study that seems to suggest that a COX inhibitor like ASA can reduce recurrent viral infections(3). However, we need more trials to ascertain the effectiveness of ASA in reducing viral progression in humans. The use of ASA in children and youth has been associated with Reye’s Syndrome and its use should be avoided. In managing pain in patients with cold sores, ASA should not be considered. Tertiary sources recommend the use of other analgesics in treating pain associated with cold sore.
Bottom Line: Need more studies to determine the effectiveness of ASA in preventing and treating cold sores in humans. Tertiary sources don’t recommend the use of ASA in managing pain associated with cold sore.
References:
1. Lexicomp [Internet]. Aspirin. Available from: http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/6388#rfs. Accessed July 17, 2014.
2. Conklin JS. Chapter 92: Cold Sores. In: Patient Self-Care – helping your patient make therapeutic choices. 2nd ed. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010:489-493.
3. Gebhardt B.M., et al. Acetylsalicylic acid Reduces Viral Shedding Induced by Thermal Stress. Current Eye Research, 2004; 29: 119-125.
Aspirin is an irreversible COX 1 and COX 2 enzyme inhibitor which reduces prostaglandin synthesis. It also inhibits the formation of thromboxane A2 which reduces platelet aggregation(1). In the management of cold sore, it is thought that ASA inhibits viral protein synthesis through its anti-inflammatory mechanism(2). Primary literature for the use of ASA in preventing and treating cold sores are very few and conflicting. ASA should not be considered for the prevention and treatment of cold sores. There is an animal study that seems to suggest that a COX inhibitor like ASA can reduce recurrent viral infections(3). However, we need more trials to ascertain the effectiveness of ASA in reducing viral progression in humans. The use of ASA in children and youth has been associated with Reye’s Syndrome and its use should be avoided. In managing pain in patients with cold sores, ASA should not be considered. Tertiary sources recommend the use of other analgesics in treating pain associated with cold sore.
Bottom Line: Need more studies to determine the effectiveness of ASA in preventing and treating cold sores in humans. Tertiary sources don’t recommend the use of ASA in managing pain associated with cold sore.
References:
1. Lexicomp [Internet]. Aspirin. Available from: http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/6388#rfs. Accessed July 17, 2014.
2. Conklin JS. Chapter 92: Cold Sores. In: Patient Self-Care – helping your patient make therapeutic choices. 2nd ed. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010:489-493.
3. Gebhardt B.M., et al. Acetylsalicylic acid Reduces Viral Shedding Induced by Thermal Stress. Current Eye Research, 2004; 29: 119-125.