salicylamide

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

salicylamide is a medication with both analgesic (pain-relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties. Its action is primarily attributed to its ability to inhibit the prostaglandins production, which are chemicals in the body that contribute to pain, fever, and inflammation. By inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, salicylamide can help relieve pain and reduce fever. 

The spectrum of salicylamide’s action is broad, making it effective for various mild to moderate pain conditions, such as headaches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, and musculoskeletal pain. It can also be used to reduce fever associated with illnesses like the common cold or flu. salicylamide’s effects are milder than those of other salicylates like aspirin, which can have anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet effects in addition to analgesic and antipyretic actions. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

CNS disturbances 

flushing 

sweating 

rash 

Ecchymosis 

leukopenia 

GI disturbances 

hyperventilation 

dry mouth 

Tinnitus 

haemorrhagic lesions 

thrombocytopenia 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

It does not typically have a black box warning. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Allergic Reaction: Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to salicylamide should not use this medication. 
• Aspirin Allergy: salicylamide is chemically related to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). Individuals who are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates should avoid salicylamide due to the potential for cross-reactivity. 
• Peptic Ulcer Disease: salicylamide can irritate the stomach lining. People with a history of peptic ulcer disease should use it with caution or avoid it. 
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: salicylamide can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. People with a history of bleeding disorders or active gastrointestinal bleeding should avoid it. 
• Children and Teens with Viral Infections: In some cases, salicylates like salicylamide should be avoided in children and teenagers with viral infections (e.g., influenza or chickenpox) due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition. 

Caution: 

• Gastrointestinal Effects: salicylamide can irritate the stomach lining and may lead to gastrointestinal side effects such as indigestion or stomach upset. To minimize this risk, take it with food or milk. 
• Salicylate Allergies: Individuals with allergies to salicylates should use salicylamide with caution, as they may be at risk of an allergic reaction. 
• Asthma: People with asthma are more likely to be sensitive to salicylates and should use this medication with caution, as it may exacerbate their asthma symptoms. 
• Renal and Hepatic Impairment: Individuals with kidney or liver problems should use salicylamide with caution, as they may not effectively metabolize or excrete the medication. 
• Blood Disorders: salicylamide can affect blood clotting and platelet function. People with blood disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications should be cautious while using this drug. 

Comorbidities: 

• Gastrointestinal Ulcers: Individuals with a history of stomach or intestinal ulcers may be at greater risk for gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding when using salicylamide. 
• Asthma: People with asthma may be more sensitive to salicylates like salicylamide and may experience exacerbation of their asthma symptoms. 
• Liver Disease: Patients with liver impairment may have difficulty metabolizing salicylamide, and this can increase the risk of side effects or complications. 
• Kidney Disease: Individuals with kidney problems may not effectively excrete salicylamide, potentially leading to its accumulation in the body. 
• Bleeding Disorders: salicylamide affects blood clotting and platelet function. People with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, may be at greater risk of bleeding complications when using this medication. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: pregnancy category: not assigned 

Lactation: excreted into human milk: unknown   

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

salicylamide is a non-prescription analgesic and antipyretic medication, primarily used to reduce fever and relieve pain. It belongs to the salicylate class of drugs, related to aspirin. salicylamide’s pharmacology involves inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that promote pain, inflammation, and fever.

By reducing prostaglandin levels, salicylamide helps alleviate discomfort and lower body temperature. It is well-absorbed when taken orally, and its effects typically start within an hour. However, it is less potent than aspirin and is commonly used for its mild analgesic properties. As with any medication, it should be used following proper dosing guidelines and with consideration of individual health factors.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

• Inhibition of Prostaglandin Synthesis: salicylamide, like aspirin, inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. The cyclooxygenase is responsible for the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that promote pain, inflammation, and fever. By blocking COX, salicylamide reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins, leading to a decrease in pain and fever. 
• Analgesic Properties: salicylamide’s primary pharmacodynamic effect is pain relief. It can help alleviate mild to moderate pain by reducing the sensitivity of pain receptors (nociceptors) and by lowering the levels of prostaglandins that sensitize these receptors. 
• Antipyretic Properties: salicylamide’s ability to lower fever is linked to its inhibition of prostaglandin production, particularly in hypothalamus, which is responsible for regulating the body temperature. By reducing prostaglandin E2 levels, salicylamide helps bring down elevated body temperatures associated with fever. 
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: While salicylamide has anti-inflammatory properties like other salicylates, its potency in this regard is lower compared to aspirin. It can help mitigate mild inflammation, which often accompanies painful conditions.

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

salicylamide is absorbed primarily in the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Its absorption is rapid, with the active compound entering the bloodstream from the stomach or intestines. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, salicylamide is distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. It crosses blood-brain barrier and reach the central nervous system, contributing to its analgesic and antipyretic effects. 

Metabolism 

salicylamide undergoes metabolism primarily in the liver. It is converted into various metabolites, including salicylic acid. These metabolites are more polar and water-soluble than the parent compound and can be more readily excreted from the body. 

Elimination and excretion 

The metabolites of salicylamide, particularly salicylic acid, are eliminated from the body primarily through the kidneys. A significant portion of the drug and its metabolites are excreted in the urine. The elimination half-life of salicylamide is short, typically ranging from a few hours to about six hours. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• Dosage: The appropriate dosage of salicylamide can vary depending on the individual, their age, and the specific product being used.  
• Frequency: salicylamide is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. Follow the dosing schedule recommended by your healthcare provider. salicylamide can be taken with or without food.  
• Duration: Use salicylamide for the shortest duration and at the lowest effective dose to manage your symptoms. Prolonged or excessive use of salicylamide can lead to potential side effects. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: salicylamide 

Pronounced: (sal-uh-sil-uh-mide)  

Why do we use salicylamide? 

salicylamide is primarily used to relieve mild to moderate pain. It can help alleviate various types of pain, such as headache, muscle aches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, and pain from minor injuries. salicylamide can be used to reduce fever associated with various illnesses or infections. While its anti-inflammatory effects are weaker than those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, salicylamide may also be used for minor inflammation-related conditions.