U.S. Brand Names

Ascriptin® Maximum Strength [OTC]; Ascriptin® [OTC]; Aspercin [OTC]; Aspergum® [OTC]; Aspirtab [OTC]; Bayer® Aspirin Extra Strength [OTC]; Bayer® Aspirin Regimen Adult Low Dose [OTC]; Bayer® Aspirin Regimen Children's [OTC]; Bayer® Aspirin Regimen Regular Strength [OTC]; Bayer® Genuine Aspirin [OTC]; Bayer® Plus Extra Strength [OTC]; Bayer® with Heart Advantage [OTC]; Bayer® Women's Aspirin Plus Calcium [OTC]; Buffasal [OTC]; Bufferin® Extra Strength [OTC]; Bufferin® [OTC]; Buffinol [OTC]; Easprin®; Ecotrin® Low Strength [OTC]; Ecotrin® Maximum Strength [OTC]; Ecotrin® [OTC]; Genacote™ [OTC]; Halfprin® [OTC]; St. Joseph® Adult Aspirin [OTC]; ZORprin®

Canadian Brand Names

Asaphen; Asaphen E.C.; Entrophen®; Novasen

Mexican Brand Names

Adiro; Antacsal-E; Aspirina efervescente; Aspirina Junior; Ecotrin

Pharmacologic Category

Antiplatelet Agent; Salicylate

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

Children and teenagers should not use aspirin for flu symptoms or chickenpox.

Stent patients: Talk with heart doctor before stopping this medicine, even if told to do so by another healthcare provider.

This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 16 years of age for flu or chickenpox symptoms.

• If you have an allergy to aspirin or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Asthma, bleeding problems, nasal polyps, or rhinitis.

• If you are more than 24 weeks pregnant.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent heart attacks.

• This medicine is used to prevent strokes.

• This medicine is used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever.

• This medicine is used to treat arthritis.

• This medicine is used to treat gout attacks.

• This medicine is used to treat rheumatic fever.

• This medicine is used to protect bypass grafts and stents in the heart.

How does it work?

• Aspirin blocks production and release of chemicals that cause pain and inflammation.

• It reduces fever by adjusting the body's thermostat in the brain.

• It prevents platelets from becoming sticky and clumping together.

How is it best taken?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Swallow enteric-coated and long-acting products whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• Chewable tablet: Chew or crush well. Mix crushed tablet with food. Do not swallow whole.

• Use suppository rectally.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.

• If you have had an ulcer or bleeding from your stomach or intestines, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.

• Stent patients: Talk with your heart doctor before stopping this medicine for any reason.

• You may bleed more easily. Be careful. Avoid injury. Use soft toothbrush, electric razor.

• Talk with healthcare provider before using other aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Belly pain or heartburn.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Bleeding problems.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.

• Severe headache.

• Ringing in ears.

• Black, tarry, or bloody stools.

• Blood in the urine.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

Oral:

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

Suppository:

• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.

• Do not use suppositories if they have a vinegar smell.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 10:45:52.0

Modified: 2009-08-25 10:35:48.0

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