Aspirin

Aspirin a white tablet has been with us for more than 80 years and is one a NSAID’s Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, these particular groups of medications work at the sight of the pain by blocking stimulation to cell endings. Apart from alleviating pain, reducing fever, it is useful in combating the symptoms of arthritis, if given over a period of time. In low doses it helps to reduce blood clots in atherosclerosis or angina due to coronary artery disease, it also reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It also helps pains during the menstrual period as well as joint or muscular aches.

Aspirin is found in various medicines for colds, flu, headaches, etc. On the down side aspirin may irritate the stomach causing ulcers or bleeding. It is also believed that the drug can provoke asthma attacks. Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age, this is because it has been linked to Reye’s syndrome which is a rare, but serious brain and liver disorder.

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Quick Guide

• Aspirin with danger of Overdose danger – HIGH
• Dependency is said to be – LOW
• Prescription only – NO
• Available as generic – yes
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES
• Alcohol increases the risk of stomach irritation
• Aspirin is also a benefit to sufferers of angina

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Indigestion
Rare: Black Faeces, Blood In Vomit, Breathlessness, Dizziness, Nausea, Rash, Ringing In Ears, Vomiting, Wheezing.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using this medication It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

With the exception of taking low doses to prevent blood clotting aspirin should not be take for longer than a 2 day period unless you are taking it on doctors advice. Unwanted effects are generally mild, and infrequent however, indigestion, stomach irritation, and bleeding can occur at any dosage.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

There are no special problem with driving/work. However, there is an increased likelihood that alcohol can cause stomach irritation with aspirin.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

An alternative drug may be safer as aspirin is not usually recommended, nor should it be taken during breastfeeding the drug passes into the breast milk. It is known that aspirin may cause Reye’s syndrome in children. This is a rare but serious brain and liver disorder. Discuss both these issues with your doctor

Aspirin is classified as a pregnancy Category D medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). … Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Surgery Or Dental Procedure

Discuss this with your doctor/dentist before any surgery or general anesthetics as regular treatment with aspirin may need to be stopped several days before-hand.

Tell Your Doctor Or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

See full list of things you should tell your doctor about.»

Over 60′s & Children

There is a greater chance that aspirin may cause adverse effects with the over sixties. Aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 16 years, unless it is being given on doctors advice.

Overdose

Seek immediate medical advice in all cases of overdose.

Failing this go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you. This will help the hospital staff identify what has been taken and work towards given the right kind of help without delay.

Overdose symptoms may appear as blurred vision, vomiting, Stomach pains, ringing in the ears (noises).

Other Medication Reactions

Aspirin may add to the Anticoagulant effect of such drugs, which may lead to an increased risk of abnormal bleeding. If you take drugs for gout aspirin may well reduce the effects of the drug. If you take Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs these type of drugs could increase the likelihood of stomach irritation with aspirin. Aspirin may increase the effects of oral anti-diabetic drugs. There is an increased risk of stomach bleeding if aspirin is taken along side Corticosteroids drugs. Aspirin may also increase the toxicity effects of Methotrexate

adverse effects are more likely to occur with high doses of aspirin. However, taking the drug with food, in buffered or enteric coated forms may reduce the adverse effects.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

If your doctor has prescribed aspirin for a long term condition you should seek his advice and judgement, otherwise it can be safely stopped.

Effect Of Medication

Effects can be felt with regular aspirin within 30 to 60 minutes. With coated tablets or SR capsules it is likely to take 1 to 8 hours. Effects persist for several day if used for blood clotting other wise for up to 12 hours.

Storage and Safety

Keep medicine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach of children. Never take medication that has past the expiry date shown on the box or container. Return all un-used or old medicines to your pharmacist. Do not discard old or unwanted medication into your trash, sink or toilet.

If this medication has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.