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® 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

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.

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.

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 take more often than every 4 hours, unless instructed by healthcare provider.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with heart doctor.

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.

• If you are taking ibuprofen, talk with healthcare provider. It may make this medicine less effective.

• 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.

What should I monitor?

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

• Watch for tarry black stools.

• 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.

• Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.

• Ringing in ears.

• 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.

• 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: 2008-04-30 11:11:16.0

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