Aspirin

Aspirin

     * Generic Name: aspirin
     * Brand Name: Bayer


     * What is aspirin?
     * What are the possible side effects of aspirin?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       aspirin?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       aspirin?
     * How should I take aspirin?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking aspirin?
     * What other drugs will affect aspirin?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is aspirin?

   Aspirin is a salicylate (sa-LIS-il-ate). It works by reducing
   substances in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation.

   Aspirin is used to treat pain, and reduce fever or inflammation.
   Aspirin is sometimes used to treat or prevent heart attacks, strokes,
   and chest pain (angina). Aspirin should be used for cardiovascular
   conditions only under the supervision of a doctor.

   Aspirin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of aspirin?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Stop using aspirin and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * ringing in your ears, confusion, hallucinations, rapid
       breathing, seizure (convulsions);
     * severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;
     * bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that
       looks like coffee grounds;
     * fever lasting longer than 3 days; or
     * swelling, or pain lasting longer than 10 days.

   Common side effects may include:
     * upset stomach, heartburn;
     * drowsiness; or
     * mild headache.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about aspirin?

   You should not use aspirin if you have a bleeding disorder such as
   hemophilia, a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding, or
   if you are allergic to an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
   drug).

   Aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal
   condition in children.

   Aspirin Patient Information including How Should I Take
   RxList

   Take the Pain Quiz
   Back Pain:Myths and Facts About Back Pain

   Back Pain Slideshow: Myths and Facts
   Chronic Pain: Causes, Solutions and Management

   Chronic Pain Slideshow

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking aspirin?

   Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager with a fever, flu
   symptoms, or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome, a
   serious and sometimes fatal condition in children.

   You should not use aspirin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
     * a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding;
     * a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia; or
     * if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic
       reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID (non-steroidal
       anti-inflammatory drug).

   Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
     * asthma or seasonal allergies;
     * stomach ulcers;
     * liver disease;
     * kidney disease;
     * a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
     * gout; or
     * heart disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart
       failure.

   Taking aspirin during late pregnancy may cause bleeding in the mother
   or the baby during delivery. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or
   plan to become pregnant.

   You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take aspirin?

   Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

   Take with food if aspirin upsets your stomach.

   Do not crush, chew, break, or open an enteric-coated or delayed-release
   pill. Swallow it whole.

   The chewable tablet form of aspirin must be chewed before swallowing.

   If you use the orally disintegrating tablet or the dispersible tablet,
   follow all dosing instructions provided with your medicine.

   If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use this
   medicine. You may need to stop for a short time.

   Do not take this medicine if you smell a strong vinegar odor in the
   aspirin bottle. The medicine may no longer be effective.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Aspirin Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   RxList

   Take the Pain Quiz
   Back Pain:Myths and Facts About Back Pain

   Back Pain Slideshow: Myths and Facts
   Chronic Pain: Causes, Solutions and Management

   Chronic Pain Slideshow

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Since aspirin is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule.
   Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use
   two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

   Overdose symptoms may include temporary hearing loss, seizure
   (convulsions), or coma.

What should I avoid while taking aspirin?

   Avoid alcohol. Heavy drinking can increase your risk of stomach
   bleeding.

   If you are taking aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, avoid also
   taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Ibuprofen may make aspirin less
   effective. If you must use both medications, take the ibuprofen at
   least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take the aspirin
   (non-enteric coated form).

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain,
   fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients
   similar to aspirin (such as magnesium salicylate, ibuprofen,
   ketoprofen, or naproxen).

What other drugs will affect aspirin?

   Ask your doctor before using aspirin if you take an antidepressant.
   Taking certain antidepressants with aspirin may cause you to bruise
   or bleed easily.

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using aspirin with any other
   medications, especially:
     * a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven), or other
       medication used to prevent blood clots; or
     * other salicylates such as Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate,
       KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal,
       Trilisate, and others.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect aspirin, including
   prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal
   products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about aspirin.
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