Why is this medication prescribed?

Aspirin is commonly prescribed for several reasons:

• Pain Relief: It’s often used to relieve minor aches and pains, such as headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches.
• Fever Reduction: Aspirin can help reduce fever associated with various illnesses.
• Anti-inflammatory: It has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to reduce inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis.
• Prevention of Heart Attacks and Strokes: Low-dose aspirin is sometimes prescribed to prevent heart attacks and strokes in individuals at high risk due to factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of heart disease or stroke.
• Blood Thinning: Aspirin inhibits the formation of blood clots, so it’s sometimes used to prevent clotting in individuals at risk of conditions like stroke or heart attack.

How should this medicine be used?

As for how to use aspirin, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and the directions on the label. However, here are some general guidelines:

• Dosage: The dosage varies depending on the condition being treated. For pain relief or fever reduction, the typical dose for adults is 325 to 650 milligrams every four to six hours, as needed. For heart attack or stroke prevention, lower doses ranging from 75 to 100 milligrams per day may be prescribed.
• Administration: Aspirin is usually taken orally with a full glass of water. It can be taken with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
• Timing: Follow the prescribed schedule. For pain relief, take aspirin as soon as you feel pain. For heart attack or stroke prevention, take it at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the drug in your bloodstream.
• Precautions: Avoid taking aspirin if you’re allergic to it or if you have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders unless directed by your doctor. Aspirin can interact with other medications, so inform your doctor about all the medications you’re taking.
• Monitoring: Regularly monitor your symptoms and any side effects. If you experience severe side effects like stomach pain, black or bloody stools, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication, including aspirin, to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

Other uses for this medicine

• Prevention of Blood Clots: As mentioned, aspirin is used in low doses to prevent blood clots, particularly in individuals at risk of cardiovascular events.
• Prevention of Preeclampsia: Low-dose aspirin may be prescribed to pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy.
• Reducing Cancer Risk: Some research suggests that long-term aspirin use may lower the risk of certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. However, this is still under investigation, and aspirin should not be taken solely for this purpose without medical advice.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be taken when using aspirin due to its potential side effects and interactions with other medications. Here are some important precautions to consider:

• Allergy: If you are allergic to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, you should not take aspirin unless directed by your doctor.
• Bleeding Risk: Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in the stomach and intestines. Avoid aspirin if you have a history of bleeding disorders, stomach ulcers, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Interaction with Other Medications: Aspirin can interact with various medications, including blood thinners, corticosteroids, and certain antidepressants. Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Children and Adolescents: Aspirin should not be given to children and teenagers with viral infections due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor before taking aspirin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may not be safe for the developing fetus or nursing infant.
• Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption while taking aspirin, as it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and the directions on the label when using aspirin, and consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about its use.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Special dietary instructions for aspirin use are relatively minimal. However, it’s generally recommended to take aspirin with food or milk to help reduce the risk of stomach irritation. Avoid taking aspirin on an empty stomach, especially if you have a history of gastrointestinal issues.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of aspirin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you’re unsure about what to do, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance. It’s important to maintain a consistent dosing schedule to achieve the desired therapeutic effects of aspirin.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Aspirin, like any medication, can cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Common side effects of aspirin include:

• Gastrointestinal Irritation: Aspirin can irritate the stomach lining, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. This irritation may sometimes result in stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be serious.
• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to aspirin, including hives, rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are rare but can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
• Increased Bleeding Risk: Aspirin inhibits blood clotting, which can increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in the stomach and intestines. This can manifest as black, tarry stools or bloody vomit, indicating gastrointestinal bleeding. In rare cases, aspirin may also increase the risk of bleeding in other parts of the body or lead to hemorrhagic stroke.
• Reye’s Syndrome: Although rare, aspirin use in children and teenagers with viral infections (such as flu or chickenpox) has been associated with Reye’s syndrome, a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by brain and liver inflammation. For this reason, aspirin should not be given to children and adolescents with viral infections unless directed by a doctor.
• Kidney Damage: Prolonged or high-dose use of aspirin can impair kidney function and lead to kidney damage or failure, particularly in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease or other risk factors.
• Tinnitus: Some people may experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus) as a side effect of aspirin use. This usually resolves upon discontinuation of the medication.
• Asthma Exacerbation: Aspirin sensitivity is more common in individuals with asthma and can trigger asthma attacks or exacerbate existing asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals.
• Liver Damage: In rare cases, aspirin may cause liver damage, particularly with long-term use or overdose.

It’s important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and many people tolerate aspirin well when taken as directed. However, if you experience any concerning symptoms while taking aspirin, it’s essential to consult your doctor promptly. Additionally, always inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing medical conditions or medications you’re taking to minimize the risk of adverse effects and drug interactions.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of aspirin:

Storage:

• Keep aspirin in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children and pets.
• Store aspirin at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.
• Do not use aspirin past its expiration date.

Disposal:

• Dispose of expired or unused aspirin properly to prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets.
• Follow any specific disposal instructions provided by your pharmacist or local waste management authority.
• Do not flush aspirin down the toilet unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist or local authorities.

In case of emergency/overdose

• If you suspect an overdose of aspirin, seek immediate medical attention by calling your local emergency services or poison control center.
• Symptoms of aspirin overdose may include ringing in the ears (tinnitus), rapid breathing, sweating, confusion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
• Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by medical personnel.

What other information should I know?

• Inform healthcare providers about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking, as aspirin may interact with certain drugs.
• Do not start or stop taking aspirin without consulting a healthcare provider, as abrupt changes in dosage or discontinuation can have adverse effects, particularly in individuals taking aspirin for cardiovascular protection.
• Attend regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your response to aspirin therapy and assess any potential side effects or complications.
• If undergoing surgery or dental procedures, inform healthcare providers about your aspirin use, as it may need to be temporarily discontinued or adjusted to reduce bleeding risk.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about aspirin use, storage, and disposal, you can help ensure safe and effective medication management.