Aspirin

Trade Names: ASA, Aspergum, Bayer Aspirin, Easprin, Ecotrin, Empirin

Type of Drug: Aspirin belongs to a general class of nonopioid analgesics (pain-relieving medicines) called salicylates, which belong to a larger category called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

How Drug Works: Aspirin blocks the synthesis of prostaglandins. This prevents pain receptors from passing the pain message to the brain so that pain perception is decreased. This drug is also an anti-inflammatory drug that relieves pain and reduces fever.

How Drug Is Given: Aspirin is given as a pill or capsule, or as a rectal suppository. Because aspirin can irritate the stomach, it may be given with milk, food, or at least 8 oz of water. Keep the medicine in a tightly closed container and out of the reach of children and pets. Keep the suppositories in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.

How Should I Take This Drug? Take this drug exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them to you.

Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.

Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities? Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine—prescription or nonprescription—without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.

Precautions: It you have asthma, inflammation of the nose (rhinitis), or nasal polyps, take aspirin cautiously. Talk to your doctor or nurse about this as aspirin can cause bronchospasms, or tightening of your breathing tubes.

DO NOT take aspirin if you are also taking Coumadin or other medicines to prevent blood clots, methotrexate, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or have liver damage. Talk with your doctor or nurse about this.

If you take too much aspirin, you can have ringing in the ears (tinnitus), decreased hearing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mental confusion, headache, sweating, fast breathing, lethargy, and dizziness. Be careful not to exceed recommended dosages.

Aspirin may increase the risk of bleeding. You should not take aspirin if you are receiving chemotherapy that decreases your platelet count, or have stomach or intestinal ulcers, bleeding problems, or bleeding in your gastrointestinal tract. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have questions.

Aspirin must be stopped 3 or more days before a surgical procedure. Make sure you tell your doctor if you are taking aspirin.

Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.

Most of the following side effects probably will not occur. Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you. They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.

Side Effects:

More Common Side Effects Increased bleeding time Heartburn Increased bruising Sweating

Less Common Side Effects Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract Flushing Ringing in the ears (tinnitis) Hearing loss Dizziness

Rare Side Effects Decreased platelet count with increased risk of bleeding Decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection Decreased red blood cell count with increased risk of anemia and tiredness (fatigue) Drowsiness Confusion Headache Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Loss of appetite Inflammation of the liver Rash Hives Wheezing Increased heart rate Changes in blood levels of sugar, potassium, and/or sodium

Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.

FDA Approval: Yes