Aspirin
Natco Pharma Ltd ,
Shrinivas Gujarat Laboratories Pvt Ltd
Cotaspirin 50mg Tablet ,
Aspeeday 75mg Tablet ER
Arthritis ,
Gout
DRUG STATUS
Approvals
US. FDA / uk mhra / ema / pdma
Essential Medicine
WHO / India
Use in Pregnancy
Not Advised / Caution
Pharmaceutical Class
ama / pdma
Summary
Aspirin is typically used for pain relief, reducing inflammation, and lowering fever. It's also used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots, particularly in people with cardiovascular conditions.
Aspirin works by inhibiting an enzyme called COX (cyclooxygenase). This reduces the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. It also prevents blood clots by stopping platelet aggregation.
For adults, the usual dosage for pain or fever is 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours, with a maximum of 4000 mg per day. For cardiovascular protection, a low dose of 81 mg daily is typical. Aspirin should be taken with food to reduce stomach irritation and swallowed whole, not chewed or crushed.
Common side effects of aspirin include stomach upset, heartburn, and nausea. Serious side effects may include gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, increased risk of bleeding disorders, allergic reactions, and kidney or liver damage. Aspirin may also worsen asthma in some individuals.
Aspirin should be avoided in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, or certain bleeding disorders. It is not recommended for people with allergies to NSAIDs or aspirin, pregnant women especially in the third trimester, and children with viral infections due to the risk of Reyes syndrome. Caution is needed for those with kidney or liver issues.
Indications and Purpose
How does Aspirin work?
Aspirin works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is involved in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. By blocking COX, aspirin reduces pain, inflammation, and fever, while also preventing blood clot formation by inhibiting platelet aggregation, which helps protect against heart attacks and strokes.
How does one know if Aspirin is working?
The benefit of aspirin is evaluated through clinical assessments, including measuring its effect on pain relief, inflammation reduction, and fever management. For cardiovascular benefits, the effectiveness is monitored through a reduction in events like heart attacks or strokes, typically assessed through long-term studies. Laboratory tests, like platelet aggregation tests, are also used to evaluate aspirin’s impact on blood clot prevention.
Is Aspirin effective?
Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated aspirin's effectiveness in reducing pain, inflammation, and fever. Its use in preventing heart attacks and strokes is well-established, with research showing that daily low-dose aspirin reduces the risk of blood clots in high-risk individuals. Aspirin’s benefits in reducing inflammation and managing conditions like arthritis are also widely supported by evidence from randomized controlled trials.
What is Aspirin used for?
Aspirin is used for pain relief, reducing inflammation, lowering fever, and preventing heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots, particularly in people with cardiovascular conditions. It is also used to reduce the risk of blood clots after certain surgeries or procedures.
Directions for Use
How do I take Aspirin?
Aspirin should generally be taken with food or after meals to help prevent stomach irritation. There are no specific food restrictions, but it's recommended to avoid alcohol, as it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. If you're using aspirin for cardiovascular protection, it's typically taken once a day, at the same time each day.
How long does it take for Aspirin to start working?
Regular aspirin acts quickly for pain/fever relief, within 20 30 minutes. Delayed release aspirin takes 4 6 hours as it dissolves in the small intestine for prolonged effect and gentler impact on the stomach. However, its blood thinning effects, important in preventing clots, develop gradually over several days of regular use.
How should I dispose of Aspirin?
If your tablets smell strongly of vinegar, throw them away. Dispose of unused or expired aspirin through medicine take-back programs. If not available, mix it with an undesirable substance (e.g., coffee grounds) and place in a sealed bag before throwing it in the trash.
How should I store Aspirin?
**Medication Storage Instructions** * Keep the medication in the original container with the lid closed tight. * Store it in a cool, dry place that's not the bathroom. * Keep it away from children and pets. * Throw away any tablets that smell strongly like vinegar.
What are the consequences to stopping Aspirin?
Stopping Aspirin suddenly, especially if it's being used for cardiovascular protection or preventing blood clots, can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. If you need to stop, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider, who may adjust your treatment plan. Discontinuing aspirin without medical advice is not recommended for long-term use.
What is Aspirin’s dose and duration?
For Aspirin in adults, the usual dosage is 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours for pain or fever, with a maximum of 4,000 mg per day. For cardiovascular protection, a low dose of 81 mg daily is typical. It should be taken with food to reduce stomach irritation and swallowed whole, not chewed or crushed.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Aspirin?
If you forget to take your aspirin, take it right away. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Aspirin be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Aspirin is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it can pass into the breast milk and reach the baby. If you need to take a painkiller, talk to your doctor for a suitable alternative.
Can Aspirin be taken safely while pregnant?
Pregnant women can take low-dose aspirin (81 mg) to help prevent certain health conditions. However, taking higher doses of aspirin (more than 81 mg) during pregnancy can be harmful to the baby and can lead to complications during delivery, especially if taken after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Can Aspirin be taken safely while trying to conceive?
Aspirin is unlikely to affect fertility in men or women, but it's always best to talk to a doctor or pharmacist about it if you're trying to conceive. They can provide tailored advice based on your specific circumstances.
Can I take Aspirin with other prescription drugs?
Aspirin may interact with anticoagulants (increasing bleeding risk), corticosteroids (increasing ulcer risk), antihypertensives (reducing effectiveness), methotrexate (increasing toxicity), and SSRIs (increasing bleeding risk). Always consult a doctor before combining aspirin with other medications.
Can I take Aspirin with vitamins or supplements?
Aspirin can interact with certain vitamins and supplements. High doses of vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with aspirin. Fish oil supplements and ginkgo biloba can also heighten the bleeding risk. It's important to monitor and consult a healthcare provider when using these alongside aspirin. Vitamin K can counteract aspirin's blood-thinning effect.
What are Aspirin possible harms and risks?
The most common side effects of aspirin include stomach upset, heartburn, and nausea. Significant adverse effects may include gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and increased risk of bleeding disorders. Other serious side effects include allergic reactions, such as rashes or swelling, and kidney or liver damage, particularly with prolonged use or high doses. Aspirin may also worsen asthma in some individuals.
Who should avoid taking Aspirin?
Aspirin should be avoided in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, or certain bleeding disorders. It is contraindicated for people with allergies to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin itself. Pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, and children with viral infections (due to the risk of Reye's syndrome) should not use aspirin. Caution is needed for those with kidney or liver issues.
Forms / Brands
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