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Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Aspirin is employed to lower fever and alleviate mild to moderate pain stemming from conditions such as muscle aches, toothaches, the common cold, and headaches. Additionally, it may be used to diminish pain and swelling associated with arthritis. In certain cases, your doctor may recommend a low dose of aspirin to prevent blood clots, thereby reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Aspirin is categorized as a salicylate and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Its mechanism of action involves blocking a specific natural substance in the body, leading to a reduction in pain and swelling.
Uses and Dosage
If you are using this medication for self-treatment, carefully follow all directions on the product package. Should you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it exactly as directed.
Take the medication orally, accompanied by a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters), unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Refrain from lying down for at least 10 minutes after taking the drug. In case of stomach upset, you may take it with food or milk.
For enteric-coated tablets, swallow them whole without crushing or chewing to prevent increased stomach upset.
Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets or capsules, as doing so can release the entire drug at once, elevating the risk of side effects. Similarly, do not split extended-release tablets unless there is a score line, and your doctor or pharmacist advises you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
The dosage and duration of treatment depend on your medical condition and response to the treatment. Review the product label for recommendations on the number of tablets you can take within a 24-hour period and how long you may self-treat before seeking medical advice. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration without your doctor’s approval. Use the smallest effective dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If you are using this medication for self-treatment of a headache, seek medical help immediately if you experience trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, or sudden vision changes. Before using the drug, consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have headaches caused by head injury, coughing, or bending, or if you have a headache with severe or persistent vomiting, fever, and stiff neck.
If you are taking this medication as needed (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best when used at the first signs of pain. Delaying until the pain worsens may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine. Enteric-coated or slow-release aspirin may take longer to alleviate pain due to slower absorption. Seek guidance from your doctor or pharmacist to choose the best type of aspirin for your needs.
Do not use this medication for self-treatment of pain for more than 10 days, and do not use it to self-treat a fever lasting longer than 3 days. In these cases, consult a doctor as there may be a more serious underlying condition. Inform your doctor promptly if you develop ringing in the ears or difficulty hearing.
If your condition persists or worsens, or if you suspect a serious medical problem, inform your doctor promptly.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- heartburn
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- wheezing or difficulty breathing
- hoarseness
- fast heartbeat
- fast breathing
- cold, clammy skin
- ringing in the ears
- loss of hearing
- bloody vomit
- vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- bright red blood in stools
- black or tarry stools
Caution
- Before taking aspirin, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, other salicylates (like choline salicylate), other pain relievers or fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen), or if you have any other allergies. Inactive ingredients in the product may trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
- If you have certain health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication. These include bleeding/blood-clotting disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach problems, aspirin-sensitive asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), gout, and certain enzyme deficiencies (pyruvate kinase or G6PD deficiency).
- This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this product, may increase your risk of this side effect.
- Children and teenagers under 18 years old should not take aspirin if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness or if they have recently received a vaccine. In these cases, taking aspirin increases the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness. Inform your doctor promptly if you observe changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting, as this may be an early sign of Reye’s syndrome.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially stomach/intestinal bleeding and ulcers.
- Aspirin is not recommended for treating pain or fever during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should discuss the benefits and risks with their doctor(s). Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medication may harm an unborn baby and cause complications with normal labor/delivery. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy from 20 weeks until delivery. If your doctor determines that you need to use this medication between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time is advised. In some cases, low-dose aspirin (usually 81-162 milligrams a day) may be used safely during pregnancy to prevent certain conditions. Discuss this with your doctor for more details.
- Aspirin passes into breast milk. Large amounts (such as for pain or fever treatment) may harm a nursing infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is generally not recommended. However, low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention may be used if directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Form and Strength
Aspirin Extra Strength is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Aspirin Extra Strength tablet:
- 500 mg
FAQ
Is Aspirin a blood thinner?
At lower doses, aspirin works as a blood thinner by blocking a protein called cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). This protein normally helps your platelets clump together and make clots to help stop any bleeding. When low-dose aspirin blocks this protein, it prevents your platelets from sticking together. This helps prevent the formation of blood clots that could potentially block blood flow and lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Can you take Aspirin Extra Strength and ibuprofen together?
It’s generally not recommended to take Aspirin and ibuprofen together. In general, taking Aspirin and ibuprofen together can raise your risk for side effects, such as stomach upset, bleeding, and ulcers.
Resources:
- https://www.goodrx.com/aspirin/what-is#faqs
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682878.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5093/aspirin-extra-strength-oral/details
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/aspirin-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20152665
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/bayer-plus.html
