Aspirin is utilized for lowering fever and alleviating mild to moderate discomfort stemming from various sources like muscle strains, dental pain, the common cold, and headaches. It can also mitigate pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis. Classified as both a salicylate and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), aspirin functions by obstructing a particular natural substance in the body, thereby diminishing pain and swelling.
It's advisable to seek medical advice before administering aspirin to children under 12 years old. Additionally, your healthcare provider might recommend a low dosage of aspirin to prevent blood clot formation, reducing the likelihood of stroke and heart attack. Following certain surgeries like bypass surgery, carotid endarterectomy, or coronary stent placement, doctors may suggest using aspirin in low doses as a "blood thinner" to deter blood clot formation.
How to use aspirin oral
If you're using this medication for self-treatment, adhere closely to the instructions provided on the product package. Should you have any inquiries, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, take it precisely as directed.
Administer this medication orally and accompany it with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters), unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Avoid lying down for at least 10 minutes after taking the medication. If you experience stomach upset while taking it, you may consume it with food or milk.
Ingest enteric-coated tablets whole; do not crush or chew them, as doing so can heighten stomach discomfort. Similarly, avoid crushing or chewing extended-release tablets or capsules, as this could release the entire dose at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Refrain from splitting extended-release tablets unless they possess a score line and your doctor or pharmacist has advised you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by your medical condition and response to treatment. Refer to the product label for recommendations on the maximum number of tablets you can take within a 24-hour period and how long you can self-treat before seeking medical advice. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration unless instructed by your doctor. Use the smallest effective dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any uncertainties.
If you're using this medication for self-treatment of headaches, seek medical assistance immediately if you experience difficulty speaking, weakness on one side of the body, or sudden changes in vision. Before using this drug, consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have headaches resulting from head injury, coughing, or bending, or if your headache is accompanied by severe or persistent vomiting, fever, and stiff neck.
If you're using this medication as needed (not on a regular schedule), it's crucial to initiate treatment at the onset of pain for optimal efficacy. Delaying treatment until the pain worsens may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Special formulations of aspirin (such as those with enteric coating or slow release) may take longer to alleviate pain due to slower absorption. Seek guidance from your doctor or pharmacist to determine the most suitable type of aspirin for your needs.
Do not use this medication for self-treatment of pain for more than 10 days, or to treat a fever that persists for more than 3 days. In such instances, consult a doctor, as there may be an underlying serious condition. Notify your doctor promptly if you experience ringing in the ears or difficulty hearing.
If your condition persists or worsens (such as the emergence of new or unusual symptoms, redness/swelling in the affected area, or persistent pain/fever), or if you suspect a serious medical issue, inform your doctor promptly.
Side Effects
You may experience upset stomach and heartburn while using this medication. If either of these effects persists or worsens, inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, it's because they have determined that the benefits outweigh the risks of side effects. Many individuals who use this medication do not experience serious side effects.
Contact your doctor immediately if you encounter any serious side effects, such as severe or persistent nausea/vomiting, easy bruising/bleeding, difficulty hearing, ringing in the ears, signs of kidney problems (such as changes in urine output), unexplained fatigue, dizziness, dark urine, or yellowing of the eyes/skin.
Rarely, this drug may cause serious bleeding from the stomach, intestines, or other parts of the body. Seek immediate medical assistance if you notice any of the following severe side effects: intense or persistent stomach/abdominal pain, black or tarry stools, vomit resembling coffee grounds, difficulty speaking, weakness on one side of the body, sudden changes in vision, or severe headache.
Although severe allergic reactions to this medication are uncommon, seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
This list does not encompass all possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not mentioned above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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Precautions
Before taking aspirin, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, other salicylates (like choline salicylate), other pain relievers, or fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen), or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions or other issues. Consult your pharmacist for further details.
Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication if you have any of the following health conditions: bleeding or blood-clotting disorders (such as hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, low platelet count), kidney disease, liver disease, stomach problems (like ulcers, heartburn, stomach pain), aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsened breathing with a runny or stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), nasal polyps, gout, or certain enzyme deficiencies (pyruvate kinase or G6PD deficiency).
This medication may lead to stomach bleeding. The daily consumption of alcohol and tobacco, particularly when combined with this product, may heighten your risk of experiencing this side effect. Limit alcoholic beverages and quit smoking. Seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Inform your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before undergoing surgery.
Children and teenagers under 18 years old should not take aspirin if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness, or if they have recently received a vaccine. In these scenarios, using aspirin increases the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness. Promptly inform your doctor if you notice changes in behavior accompanied by nausea and vomiting, as this could be an early sign of Reye's syndrome.
Older adults may be more susceptible to the side effects of this drug, particularly stomach or intestinal bleeding and ulcers.
Aspirin is not recommended for treating pain or fever during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should discuss the benefits and risks with their doctor(s) before using this medication. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medication may harm an unborn baby and lead to complications during labor and delivery. It is not advisable for use during pregnancy from 20 weeks until delivery. If your doctor determines that you need to use this medication between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, it should be at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. In certain cases, low-dose aspirin (typically 81-162 milligrams daily) may be safely used during pregnancy to prevent specific conditions. Consult your doctor for more information.
Aspirin passes into breast milk. When used in large amounts (such as for pain or fever relief), it may harm a nursing infant, and breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. However, low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention may be prescribed if directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions can alter how your medications function or increase the risk of serious side effects. This information does not encompass all potential drug interactions. Maintain a record of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Refrain from initiating, ceasing, or altering the dosage of any medications without consulting your doctor.
Some products that may interact with this drug include mifepristone, acetazolamide, "blood thinners" (like warfarin, heparin), corticosteroids (such as prednisone), dichlorphenamide, methotrexate, valproic acid, and herbal medications (such as ginkgo biloba).
Before using this product, consult your doctor if you have recently received certain live vaccines (like the varicella vaccine or live flu vaccine).
Carefully scrutinize all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, ketorolac, naproxen). To prevent aspirin overdose, meticulously review labels before consuming other pain relievers or cold products to ensure they do not contain aspirin. Seek guidance from your pharmacist regarding the safe usage of these products.
The daily use of NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) may diminish aspirin's efficacy in preventing heart attacks/strokes. If you are taking low-dose aspirin for heart attack/stroke prevention, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details and to explore alternative treatments (such as acetaminophen) for your pain/fever.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as certain urine sugar tests), potentially yielding false test results. Ensure that lab personnel and all your doctors are aware of your use of this drug.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and exhibits severe symptoms such as loss of consciousness or difficulty breathing, immediately call 911. Otherwise, contact a poison control center without delay. US residents can reach their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include burning pain in the throat/stomach, confusion, changes in mental/mood, fainting, weakness, ringing in the ears, fever, rapid breathing, alterations in urine output, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
Notes:
If you use this medication regularly or in high doses, your doctor may recommend lab and/or medical tests (such as liver/kidney function tests, blood count, salicylate level monitoring) while you are taking this medication. Ensure to attend all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for further details.
There are various aspirin products available, some with special coatings and others with long-acting formulations. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to suggest the most suitable product for your needs.
Missed Dose: If your doctor instructs you to take this drug on a regular schedule (not just "as needed") and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage:
Keep this medication at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Different brands of this medication may have varying storage requirements. Refer to the product package for instructions on storing your specific brand, or consult your pharmacist. Avoid storing in the bathroom. Do not use any aspirin product with a strong vinegar-like smell. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.
Do not dispose of medications by flushing them down the toilet or pouring them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for guidance.
Conclusion
While aspirin can be an effective medication for reducing fever and alleviating pain, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects. From stomach upset and heartburn to more severe complications like stomach bleeding or allergic reactions, understanding and recognizing these side effects is crucial for safe usage.
Additionally, interactions with other medications and the risk of overdose underscore the importance of consulting healthcare professionals and closely following dosage instructions. By staying informed and vigilant, individuals can maximize the benefits of aspirin while minimizing the risks associated with its use. If any concerning symptoms arise, prompt medical attention should be sought to ensure proper management and treatment.
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The content is intended to augment, not replace, information provided by your clinician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading this information does not create or replace a doctor-patient relationship or consultation. If required, please contact your doctor or other health care provider to assist you to interpret any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.