POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS

ASPIRIN

GENERIC AND BRAND NAMES

See complete list of generic and brand names in the Generic and Brand Name Directory, page 889

BASIC INFORMATION

Habit forming ? No

Prescription needed? No

Available as generic? Yes

Drug class: Analgesic, anti-inflqmmqtory (nonsteroidal)

USES

- Reduces pain, fever, inflammation.

- Relieves swelling, stiffness, joint pain of arthritis or rheumatism.

- Antiplatelet effect to reduce chances of heart attack and/or stroke.

DOSAGE & USAGE INFORMATION

How to take:

- Tablet or capsule – Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation.

- Extended-release tablets or capsules – Swallow each dose whole.

- Effervescent tablets – Chew completely. Don’t swallow whole.

- Dispersible tablets – Dissolve in the mouth before swallowing.

- Chewable tablets – Chew before swalloing or dissolve in small amount of liquid before swallowing.

- Suppositories – Remover wrapper and moisten suppository with water. Gently insert into rectum, large end first.

When to take:

Pain, fever, inflammation – As needed, no more often than every 4 hours.

If you forget a dose:

- Pain, fever – Take as soon as you remember. Wait 4 hours for next dose.

- Arthritis – Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. Return tp regular schedule.

What drug does:

- Affects hypothalamus, the part of the brain which regulates temperature by dilating small blood vessels in skin.

- Prevents clumping of platelets (small blood cells) so blood vessels remain open.

- Decreases prostaglandin effect.

- Supresses body’s pain messages.

Time lapse before drug works:

30 minutes for pain, fever, arthritis.

Don’t take with:

- Tetracyclines. Space doses 1 hour apart.

- Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

SYMPTOMS WHAT TO DO

Life-threatening:

Black or bloody vomit; blood in urine; difficulty breathing; Seek emergency treatment

hives, rash, intense itching, faintness soon after a dose immediately.

(anaphylaxis).

Common:

Heartburn, indigestion, mild nausea or vomiting. Continue. Call doctor when convenient.

Infrequent:

Trouble sleeping; rectal irritation (with suppository). Continue. Call doctor when convenient.

Rare:

Severe headache, convulsions, extreme drowsiness, Discontinue. Call doctor right away or

flushing or other change in skin color, any loss of seek emergency treatment.

hearing, severe vomiting, swelling of face, vision

problems, bloody or black stools, ringing in ears,

severe stomach cramps or pain (all symptoms more

likely with repeated doses for long periods since

aspirin can build up in the body).

OVERDOSE

SYMPTOMS:

- Mild overdose – Confusion, severe diarrhea, stomach pain, increased thirst, vision problems, ringing or buzzing in ears, dizziness, lightheadedness, severe headache.

- Severe overdose – Bloody urine; hallucinations; severe nervousness, excitement or confusion; shortness of breath; trouble breathing; convulsions.

- In some children – The only symptoms may be behavior changes, severe drowsiness or tiredness, fast or deep breathing.

WHAT TO DO:

- Dial 911 (emergency) or 0 (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.

- See emergenc information on inside covers.

WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS]

Don’t take if:

- You need to restrict sodium in your diet. Buffered effervescent tablets and sodium salicylate are high in sodium.

- You are sensitive to aspirin or aspirin has a strong vinegar-like odor, which means it has decomposed.

- You have a peptic ulcer or stomach or duodenum or a bleeding disorder.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

- If you have had stomach or duodenal ulcers.

- If you have had gout.

- If you have asthma or nasal polyps.

- If you have kidney or liver disease.

Over age 60:

More likely to cause hidden bleeding in stomach or intestines. Watch for dark stools.

Pregnancy:

Risk category C; D in third trimester (see page xxiii). Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:

Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:

- Overdose frequent and severe. Keep bottles out of children’s reach.

- Do not give to persons under age 18 who have fever and discomfort of viral illness, especially chicken pox and influenza. Probably increases risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Prolonged use:

- Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-uo medical examinations or laboratory studies to check liver function, complete blood counts (white blood count, hemoglobin, hematocrit).

- Kidney damage may result. Periodic kidney function tests recommended.

Skin & sunlight:

No special problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:

No restrictions unless you feel drowsy.

Discontinuing:

For chronic illness – Don’t discontinue without doctor’s advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.

Others:

- Aspirin can complicate surgery, pregnancy, labor and delivery, and illness.

- For arthritis – Don’t change dose without consulting doctor.

- Urine tests for blood sugar may be inaccurate.

- Don’t take if pills have vinegar-like odor.

POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS

Date: 2015-12-17; view: 2289