Medications and Drugs

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.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997

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