The sodium salt of salicylic acid.
As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), sodium salicylate irreversibly acetylates cyclooxygenases I and II, thereby inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and associated inflammation and pain.
This agent may also activate mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), thereby inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.
Sodium salicylate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is less effective than equal doses of aspirin in relieving pain and reducing fever. However, individuals who are hypersensitive to aspirin may tolerate sodium salicylate. In general, this salicylate produces the same adverse reactions as aspirin, but there is less occult gastrointestinal bleeding.
Adult
PO (tablets or delayed-release [enteric-coated] tablets)
Pain or fever: 325 or 650 milligrams (mg) every four hours as needed.
Arthritis: a total of 3600 to 5400 mg a day, divided into several smaller doses.
