Type of medicine: salicylate analgesic (painkiller)
Generic and brand names: acetylsalicylic acid; aspirin; Aspergum; Aspirin Enteric Coated; Aspirin, Extended Release; Genuine Bayer Aspirin; Bayer Children's Aspirin; Ecotrin; Ecotrin Adult Low Strength; Extra Strength Bayer Aspirin; Halfprin 81; Halfprin 162; Low Dose Bayer Chewable Aspirin; Low Dose Safety Coated Bayer Aspirin; Full Dose Safety Coated Bayer Aspirin; Norwich Aspirin; Norwich Extra Strength Aspirin; St. Joseph Adult Chewable Aspirin; St. Joseph Adult Safety-Coated Aspirin (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)
This medicine is in a class of drugs called salicylates. It is used to reduce fever and relieve pain and inflammation. It may be used to treat arthritis.
Salicylates can cause serious side effects such as Reye's syndrome in children and teens with viral infections such as the flu or chickenpox. Ask your healthcare provider before giving this medicine to children with flu symptoms or poxlike skin blisters.
Aspirin is also used to help prevent and treat heart attacks and strokes.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Some forms of this medicine are available without a healthcare provider's prescription.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any nonprescription products, to avoid the risk of taking an overdose. Many medicines for pain, fever, colds, indigestion, and arthritis contain aspirin or salicylates. Check the labels of all nonprescription products before you take them. If you cannot tell if you are taking more than the recommended dosage per day, check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not take aspirin during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless it has been ordered by your healthcare provider. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine according to the directions on the package or as your healthcare provider recommends. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than directed. Do not take this medicine for more than 3 days for fever or 10 days for pain without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine usually works best when taken with food. Take it with a full glass (8 ounces) of water to lessen throat and stomach irritation. If you are taking this medicine for arthritis, take it regularly.
If you are taking this medicine to prevent a heart attack or stroke, do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Also talk with your healthcare provider before you take other pain medicines. Ibuprofen or naproxen may make this medicine less effective. Your provider can tell you how much time you should allow between taking aspirin and taking other medicines.
This medicine may come in different forms. If you have extended-release or enteric-coated tablets, do not break, crush, or chew them. Swallow them whole. Ask your pharmacist if you have enteric-coated or extended-release tablets.
If you cannot take aspirin orally, this medicine also comes in suppository form for rectal use.
To use the suppository:
Wash your hands before using this medicine. Remove the foil wrapper and moisten the suppository with water or water-based lubricating jelly. If the suppository is too soft to insert easily, run cold water over it or put it in ice water until it is firm. If it is too dry or hard, moisten it with warm water. Lie on your left side and bend your right knee up toward your chest. Gently push the suppository into your rectum so it is deep enough not to come out. Wait for a strong urge to empty your bowels before going to the bathroom.
If you take the medicine on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: coma, confusion, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fast breathing, fast heartbeat, fever, headache, nausea, ringing in the ears, seizures, sweating, vomiting.
Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Do not take other pain relievers or drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves. They may increase the risk of stomach upset.
If you take this medicine for a long time, you may need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Do not use aspirin if it smells like vinegar. Throw it away.
Be aware of the risk of overdose. If you become seriously ill (severe dizziness, confusion, headache, ringing in the ears), get medical help right away.
Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; chest pain; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe diarrhea, bloody or dark urine; black tarry stools; unusual bruising or bleeding; nausea; vomiting; severe dizziness or drowsiness; vision problems; severe stomach pain; trouble hearing or ringing in your ears; chest pain; trouble breathing; unexplained fever or confusion; severe headache; yellowing of your skin or eyes; pale-colored stools; swelling in ankles, feet, or hands, or any unexplained swelling; decreased or problems with urination; severe or unusual weakness or tiredness; numbness, especially on one side of your body; severe rash, itching, redness, or peeling of skin; blisters; problems with speech or walking.
Other: Heartburn, mild stomach upset, mild dizziness.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
