aspirin rectal

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is one of the oldest and most common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for the relief of headache, minor aches and pains, and fever. Aspirin rectal is a suppository administered rectally, typically in children and adults who are unable to take it orally. The drug is absorbed systemically through the rectal mucous tissue and works similar to the oral drug. Aspirin rectal is available over the counter (OTC).

Aspirin works by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), two enzymes that are essential for the biosynthesis of prostaglandin. Prostaglandin is a substance that has multiple functions in the body and plays a prominent role in inflammation and the resultant symptoms of pain and fever. Blocking the production of prostaglandin also inhibits the release of thromboxane A2, a substance that platelets produce to make the blood clot.

• Do not use aspirin rectal if you are hypersensitive to aspirin or any other NSAID.
• Do not use aspirin rectal if you have any of the following conditions:
  • Liver inflammation (hepatitis)
  • Severe impairment of liver or kidney function
  • Active peptic ulcer disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Vitamin K deficiency
  • Nasal inflammation or polyps
  • Asthma
• Use aspirin rectal with caution in patients with:
  • History of gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Alcoholism
  • Dehydration
• Do not use aspirin rectal in children below 16 years of age who have or are recovering from viral infections such as chicken pox or influenza.

Common side effects of aspirin rectal include:

• Rectal discomfort
• Rash
• Hives (urticaria)
• Swelling beneath the skin and mucous membrane (angioedema)
• Ringing in the ears
• Hearing loss
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Blood clots in small vessels (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
• Central nervous system effects
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Prolonged prothrombin time
• Inhibition of platelet aggregation
• Low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia)
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte disturbances
• High blood potassium (hyperkalemia)
• Acid-base balance disturbance including:
  • Metabolic acidosis
  • Respiratory alkalosis
• Liver toxicity
• Kidney damage
• Fluid in lungs (pulmonary edema)
• Bronchospasm
• Reye syndrome

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Suppository

• 60 mg
• 120 mg
• 200 mg
• 300 mg
• 600 mg

Adult and Pediatric:

Antipyretic/Analgesic

• Children below 12 years: 10-15 mg/kg/dose rectally once every 4-6 hours; not to exceed 4 g/day
• Adults and children above 12 years: 300-600 mg rectally once every 4-6 hours as needed

Renal Impairment

• Creatinine clearance (CrCl) below 10 mL: Not recommended

Hepatic Impairment

• Not recommended

Administration

• Patient should lie on left side with knees bent
• Remove protective wrap before inserting
• Gently insert tip into rectum with slight side-to-side movement (tip of suppository pointing toward navel)

Overdose

• Aspirin overdose can cause salicylate toxicity (salicylism), particularly in children and patients with impaired kidney or liver function. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of hearing, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), lethargy, shortness of breath (dyspnea), and excessive acidity of body fluids (respiratory/metabolic acidosis).
• Aspirin overdose is treated with symptomatic and supportive care.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Severe interactions of aspirin rectal include:
  • dichlorphenamide
  • mifepristone
• Aspirin rectal has serious interactions with at least 26 different drugs.
• Aspirin rectal has moderate interactions with at least 216 different drugs.
• Aspirin rectal has mild interactions with at least 118 different drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• Avoid using aspirin rectal during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, because it can cause pregnancy complications and fetal harm, including premature closure of ductus arteriosus, a fetal vascular connection.
• Aspirin is present in breastmilk. Avoid breastfeeding while using aspirin rectal.
• Do not use any OTC drug, including aspirin rectal, without first checking with your healthcare provider, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Use aspirin rectal exactly as per instructions.
• Do not concurrently take other medications that contain aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
• Avoid overdose by checking product labels carefully. Aspirin is found in many dosage forms and in many combination products.
• Discontinue use of aspirin rectal and contact your physician immediately if you develop any hypersensitivity reactions.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while using aspirin rectal, it can increase bleeding risks.
• Discontinue use and inform your physician immediately if you develop ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Discontinue aspirin rectal and consult with your physician immediately if you feel faint, have persistent abdominal pain, blood in vomit and/or black and tarry stools.
• Store aspirin rectal safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek immediate medical help or contact Poison Control.