Aspirin C6H·4O(CH3CO)·COOH· 1:2 = C9H8O4, the acetyl derivative of salicylic acid.
Actions and Uses.—It acts like salicylic acid, over which it possesses the advantage of producing less of the undesired local and systemic side effects, on account of the slow liberation of the salicylic acid. It passes the stomach unchanged, the decomposition beginning in the intestine. Dosage.—0·3 to 1 gramme (5 to 15 grains) in capsules or wafers, or dissolved in sweetened water or dry on the tongue, followed by a swallow of water. The powder should be dispensed in waxed paper. Manufactured by Farbenfabriken, vorm. Friedr. Bayer & Co., Elberfeld, Germany (Continental Color & Chemical Co., New York).