Acetylsalicylic acid (patient information)

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Why this medication is prescribed

Prescription aspirin is used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints), osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by breakdown of the lining of the joints), systemic lupus erythematosus (condition in which the immune system attacks the joints and organs and causes pain and swelling) and certain other rheumatologic conditions (conditions in which the immune system attacks parts of the body). Nonprescription aspirin is used to reduce fever and to relieve mild to moderate pain from headaches, menstrual periods, arthritis, colds, toothaches, and muscle aches. Nonprescription aspirin is also used to prevent heart attacks in people who have had a heart attack in the past or who have angina (chest pain that occurs when the heart does not get enough oxygen). Nonprescription aspirin is also used to reduce the risk of death in people who are experiencing or who have recently experienced a heart attack. Nonprescription aspirin is also used to prevent ischemic strokes (strokes that occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain) or mini-strokes (strokes that occur when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked for a short time) in people who have had this type of stroke or mini-stroke in the past. Aspirin will not prevent hemorrhagic strokes (strokes caused by bleeding in the brain). Aspirin is in a group of medications called salicylates. It works by stopping the production of certain natural substances that cause fever, pain, swelling, and blood clots.

Aspirin is also available in combination with other medications such as antacids, pain relievers, and cough and cold medications. This monograph only includes information about the use of aspirin alone. If you are taking a combination product, read the information on the package or prescription label or ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medicine should be used

Prescription aspirin comes as an extended-release tablet (tablet that releases medication slowly over a period of time). Nonprescription aspirin comes as a regular tablet, an enteric-coated, delayed-release tablet (tablet that first begins to release medication some time after it is taken), a chewable tablet, and a gum to take by mouth and a suppository to use rectally. Prescription aspirin is usually taken two or more times a day. Nonprescription aspirin is usually taken once a day to lower the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Nonprescription aspirin is usually taken every 4–6 hours as needed to treat fever or pain. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take aspirin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than directed by the package label or prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the extended-release tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew them.

Swallow the tablets with a full glass of water.

Chewable aspirin tablets may be chewed, crushed, or swallowed whole. Drink a full glass of water, immediately after taking these tablets.

Ask a doctor before you give aspirin to your child or teenager. Aspirin may cause Reye's syndrome (a serious condition in which fat builds up on the brain, liver, and other body organs) in children and teenagers, especially if they have a virus such as chicken pox or the flu.

If you have had oral surgery or surgery to remove your tonsils in the last 7 days, talk to your doctor about which types of aspirin are safe for you.

Delayed-release tablets begin to work some time after they are taken. Do not take delayed-release tablets for fever or pain that must be relieved quickly.

Stop taking aspirin and call your doctor if your fever lasts longer than 3 days, if your pain lasts longer than 10 days, or if the part of your body that was painful becomes red or swollen. You may have a condition that must be treated by a doctor.

To insert an aspirin suppository into the rectum, follow these steps:

• Remove the wrapper.
• Dip the tip of the suppository in water.
• Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (If you are left-handed, lie on your right side and raise your left knee.)
• Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch in infants and children and 1 inch in adults. Hold it in place for a few moments.
• Do not stand up for at least 15 minutes. Then wash your hands thoroughly and resume your normal activities.

Other uses for this medicine

Aspirin is also sometimes used to treat rheumatic fever (a serious condition that may develop after a strep throat infection and may cause swelling of the heart valves) and Kawasaki disease (an illness that may cause heart problems in children). Aspirin is also sometimes used to lower the risk of blood clots in patients who have artificial heart valves or certain other heart conditions and to prevent certain complications of pregnancy.

special precautions that should be followed

Before taking aspirin:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to aspirin, other medications for pain or fever, tartrazine dye, or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: acetazolamide (Diamox); angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril, (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin) and heparin; beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), and propranolol (Inderal); diuretics ('water pills'); medications for diabetes or arthritis; medications for gout such as probenecid and sulfinpyrazone (Anturane); methotrexate (Trexall); other non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); phenytoin (Dilantin); and valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you more carefully for side effects.
• if you are taking aspirin on a regular basis to prevent heart attack or stroke, do not take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to treat pain or fever without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably tell you to allow some time to pass between taking your daily dose of aspirin and taking a dose of ibuprofen.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, frequent stuffed or runny nose, or nasal polyps (growths on the linings of the nose). If you have these conditions, there is a risk that you will have an allergic reaction to aspirin. Your doctor may tell you that you should not take aspirin.
• tell your doctor if you often have heartburn, upset stomach, or stomach pain and if you have or have ever had ulcers, anemia, bleeding problems such as hemophilia, or kidney or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, especially if you are in the last few months of your pregnancy, you plan to become pregnant, or you are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking aspirin, call your doctor. Aspirin may harm the fetus and cause problems with delivery if it is taken during the last few months of pregnancy.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking aspirin.
• if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks every day, ask your doctor if you should take aspirin or other medications for pain and fever.

special dietary instructions

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet

What to do if you forget a dose

If your doctor has told you to take aspirin on a regular basis and you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

minor side effects

Aspirin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• heartburn

severe side effects

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• hives
• rash
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
• wheezing or difficulty breathing
• hoarseness
• fast heartbeat
• fast breathing
• cold, clammy skin
• ringing in the ears
• loss of hearing
• bloody vomit
• vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
• bright red blood in stools
• black or tarry stools

Aspirin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you experience any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage Conditions for this Medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Store aspirin suppositories in a cool place or in a refrigerator. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed and any tablets that have a strong vinegar smell. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• burning pain in the throat or stomach
• vomiting
• decreased urination
• fever
• restlessness
• irritability
• talking a lot and saying things that do not make sense
• fear or nervousness
• dizziness
• double vision
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• confusion
• abnormally excited mood
• hallucination (seeing things or hearing voices that are not there)
• seizures
• drowsiness
• loss of consciousness for a period of time

Other Information

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

If you are taking prescription aspirin, do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription

Brand names

• Adprin B® Tri-Buffered Caplets®
• Alka-Seltzer® Effervescent Pain Reliever and Antacid
• Alka-Seltzer® Extra Strength Effervescent Pain Reliever and Antacid
• Alka-Seltzer® Flavored Effervescent Pain Reliever and Antacid
• Ascriptin® Arthritis Pain Caplets®
• Ascriptin® Enteric Adult Low Strength
• Ascriptin® Enteric Regular Strength
• Ascriptin® Maximum Extra Strength Caplets®
• Ascriptin® Regular Strength
• Aspergum®
• Bayer ® Aspirin with Calcium Regimen Caplets®
• Bayer® Aspirin Arthritis Pain Regimen Extra Strength Caplets®
• Bayer® Aspirin Caplets®
• Bayer® Aspirin Extra Strength Caplets®
• Bayer® Aspirin Extra Strength Gelcaps®
• Bayer® Aspirin Extra Strength Tablets
• Bayer® Aspirin Gelcaps®
• Bayer® Aspirin Plus Buffered Extra Strength Caplets®
• Bayer® Aspirin Regimen Adult Low Strength
• Bayer® Aspirin Regimen Children's Chewable
• Bayer® Aspirin Regimen Regular Strength Caplets®
• Bayer® Aspirin Tablets
• Bufferin® Arthritis Strength Caplets®
• Bufferin® Enteric Low Dose Caplets®
• Bufferin® Extra Strength
• Bufferin® Tablets
• Darvon® Compound Pulvules®
• Easprin®
• Ecotrin®
• Ecotrin® Adult Low Strength
• Ecotrin® Maximum Strength
• Endodan®
• Excedrin® Extra-Strength Caplets®
• Excedrin® Extra-Strength Geltabs
• Excedrin® Extra-Strength Tablets
• Excedrin® Migraine Caplets®
• Excedrin® Migraine Geltabs
• Excedrin® Migraine Tablets
• Gelpirin®
• Genacote®
• Genacote® Maximum Strength
• Goody's® Body Pain Powders
• Goody's® Extra Strength Headache Powders
• Goody's® Extra Strength Tablets
• Halfprin®
• Magnaprin® Arthritis Strength
• Magnaprin® Improved
• Norwich® Aspirin
• Norwich® Aspirin Maximum Strength
• PC-CAP®
• Percodan®
• Percodan®-Demi
• Roxiprin®
• St. Joseph® Aspirin Adult Chewable®
• Supac®
• Sureprin®
• Talwin® Compound Caplets®
• Vanquish® Caplets®
• ZORprin®

Brand names of combination products

• Aggrenox® containing Aspirin and Dipyridamole
• Alka-Seltzer® Plus Cold & Sinus Medicine Effervescent containing Aspirin and Phenylpropanolamine Bitartrate
• Anacin® Caplets® containing Aspirin and Caffeine
• Anacin® Maximum Strength containing Aspirin and Caffeine
• Anacin® Tablets containing Aspirin and Caffeine
• BC® Powder Arthritis Strength containing Aspirin, Caffeine, and Salicylamide
• BC® Powder containing Aspirin, Caffeine, and Salicylamide
• Butalbital Compound® containing Aspirin, Butalbital, and Caffeine
• Cope® containing Aspirin and Caffeine
• Damcontaining Aspirin and Hydrocodone Bitartrate
• Equagesic® containing Aspirin and Meprobamate
• Fiorinal® containing Aspirin, Butalbital, and Caffeine
• Fiorinal® with Codeine containing Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, and Codeine Phosphate
• Fiortal® containing Aspirin, Butalbital, and Caffeine
• Fortabs® containing Aspirin, Butalbital, and Caffeine
• Micrainin® containing Aspirin and Meprobamate
• P-A-C® Analgesic containing Aspirin and Caffeine
• Stanback® Powder containing Aspirin, Caffeine, and Salicylamide
• Synalgos®-DC containing Aspirin, Caffeine, and Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate