Brand names Angettes, Caprin, Disprin, Nu-Seals Aspirin
Used if the following combined preparations Anadin, Aspav, Codis, Equagesic, Veganin, and others
General Information
In use for over 80 years, aspirin relieves pain, reduces fever, and alleviates the symptoms of arthritis. In low doses, it helps to prevent blood clots, particularly in people with atherosclerosis or angina due to coronary artery disease, and it reduces the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
It is present in many medicines for -olds flu, headaches, menstrual period pains, and joint or muscular aches.
One disadvantage of aspirin is that it may irritate the stomach and even cause stomach ulcers or bleeding. It can also cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare brain and liver disorder usually occurring in children. For this reason, aspirin should be given to children under 12 only under close medical supervision. Another drawback of aspirin is that it can provoke asthma attacks and worsen existing asthma.
Quick Reference
Drug group Non-opioid analgesic , antiplatelet drug, and antipyretic
Overdose danger rating High
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed No
Available as generic Yes
Information For Users
Follow instructions on the label. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen.
How taken
Tablets, SR-capsules, suppositories.
Frequency and timing of doses
Belief of pain or fever Every 4-6 hours, as necessary, with or after food or milk. Prevention of blood clots Once daily.
Adult dosage range
Relief of pain or fever 300-900mg per dose. Prevention of blood clots 75-300mg daily.
Onset of effect
30-60 minutes (regular aspirin);
1.5-8 hours (coated tablets or SR-capsules).
Duration of action
Up to 12 hours. Effect persists for several days when used to prevent blood clotting.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
If you have been prescribed aspirin by your doctor for a long-term condition, you should seek medical advice before stopping the drug. Otherwise it can be safely stopped.
Overdose Action
Seek immediate medical advice in all cases. Take emergency action if there is restlessness, stomach pain, ringing noises
in the ears, blurred vision, or vomiting.
See Drug poisoning emergency guide.
Possible Adverse Effects
Adverse effects are more likely to occur with high dosage of aspirin, but may be reduced by taking the drug with food or in buffered or enteric coated forms.
Special Precautions
Be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this drug if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have asthma.
You are allergic to aspirin.
You have a blood clotting disorder.
You have had a stomach ulcer.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Not usually recommended. An alternative drug may be safer. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended under 12 years.
Over 60
Adverse effects more likely.
Driving and hazardous work
No special problems.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol increases the likelihood of stomach irritation with this drug.
Surgery and general anaesthetics
Regular treatment with aspirin may need to be stopped about one week before surgery. Discuss with your doctor or dentist before any operation.
Interactions
NSAIDs may increase the likelihood of stomach irritation when taken with
aspirin.
Methotrexate
Aspirin may increase the toxicity of this drug.
Oral antidiabetic drugs
Aspirin may increase the effect of these drugs.
Drugs for gout
Aspirin may reduce the effect of these drugs.
Anticoagulants
Aspirin may add to the anticoagulant effect of such drugs leading
to an increased risk of abnormal bleeding.
Prolonged Use
Except for low doses to help prevent blood clotting, aspirin should not: be taken for longer than 2 days except on your doctor’s advice. Prolonged use of aspirin may lead to bleeding in the stomach and to stomach ulcers.
