GENERIC NAME: aspirin
BRAND NAMES: Aspirin, Arthritis Foundation Safety Coated Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin, Bayer Children's Aspirin, Ecotrin, and many others.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Aspirin is a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, pain, and
inflammation in the body. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers of mild
to moderate pain of many causes, including injury, menstrual cramps,
arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Since the
response to
different NSAIDs varies from patient to patient, it is not
unusual for a
doctor to try different NSAIDs for any given condition.
PRESCRIPTION: no
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: chewable tablets: 81mg; caplets and
tablets:
325mg, 500mg; enteric coated (safety coated) caplets and
tablets: 325mg,
500mg
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed container,
avoid
moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Aspirin is used for the treatment of
inflammation and pain that results from many forms of
arthritis, including
rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, systemic lupus
erythematosus,
ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome, and osteoarthritis,
as well as
soft tissue injuries, such as tendinitis and bursitis. Aspirin
is also
used for rapid relief of mild to moderate pain and fever.
Because aspirin
inhibits the action of blood clotting element (platelets), it
is used to
reduce the risk of recurrent stroke and near-stroke (transient ischemic attack). It is similarly used to prevent heart attack.
DOSING: Should be taken with food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Aspirin should be avoided by
patients with
peptic ulcer disease or poor kidney function, since this
medication can
aggravate both conditions. Aspirin is avoided in patients
taking blood
thinning medications (anticoagulants) such as warfarin (Coumadin), because
of an increased risk of bleeding. Some asthma patients can have
worsening
of breathing while taking aspirin. Aspirin can alter the blood
uric acid
level and is avoided in patients with hyperuricemia and gout.
Children and
teenagers should avoid aspirin for flu or chickenpox symptoms
because of
the associated risk of Reye's Syndrome, a serious disease of
the liver and
nervous system that can lead to coma. Aspirin is not habit
forming.
Aspirin can increase the effect of medicines used to treat
diabetes
mellitus, resulting in abnormally low blood sugars if not
monitored.
NSAIDs should be discontinued prior to elective surgery because
of a mild
tendency to interfere with blood clotting. Aspirin is best
discontinued at
least ten to fourteen days in advance of the procedure.
PREGNANCY: Aspirin is generally avoided during
pregnancy and in nursing mothers.
NURSING MOTHERS: Aspirin products are excreted into the
breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: Most patients benefit from aspirin and
other NSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can occur and
generally tend to be dose related. Therefore, it is advisable to use the lowest
effective dose to minimize side effects. The most common side effects of aspirin
involve the gastrointestinal system and ringing in the ears. It can cause
ulcerations, abdominal burning, pain, cramping, nausea, gastritis, and even
serious gastrointestinal bleeding and liver toxicity. Sometimes, stomach
ulceration and bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain. Black tarry
stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal
bleeding. Should ringing in the ears occur, the daily dose should be reduced.
Rash, kidney impairment, vertigo,
and
lightheadedness can also occur.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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