Aspirin

💊 What is Aspirin used for?

• •Minor pain of arthritis
• •Headache
• •Muscle pain
• •Menstrual pain
• •Toothache pain
• •Pain and fever of colds

How it works

How it is usually taken

• •The label says to drink a full glass of water with each dose. It also says not to take more than the directions allow, and not to go over the 24-hour maximum on the label unless a doctor directs it. Children under 12 should not use it unless a doctor directs it.

Comes as

• •Tablets (the product name lists 'Effervescent Pain Relief,' which means the tablets dissolve in water)

⚠️ Aspirin side effects

🛑 Who should not take Aspirin, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨The label says not to use if you are allergic to aspirin or any other pain reliever or fever reducer.
• 🚨The label says not to use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients.
• 🚨The label says children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product.
• 🚨The label says not to use aspirin at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless a doctor definitely directs it, because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •The label says to ask a doctor before use if you are taking a diuretic.
• •Ask a doctor if you have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn.
• •Ask a doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease.
• •Ask a doctor if you have asthma.
• •Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking a prescription drug for gout, diabetes, or arthritis.
• •If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use.
• •The label says stomach bleeding risk is higher if you are age 60 or older, take a blood thinner (anticoagulant) or steroid drug, take other NSAIDs, take more or for longer than directed, have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, or have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day.

🔀 Aspirin with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
• •Steroid drugs
• •Other NSAIDs, including prescription and nonprescription products such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• •Diuretics
• •Prescription drugs for gout, diabetes, or arthritis

Alcohol and food

The label says stomach bleeding risk is higher if you have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product. The label says to drink a full glass of water with each dose.

🤰 Aspirin in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says to ask a health professional before use if pregnant. It says it is especially important not to use aspirin at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless a doctor definitely directs it, because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

Breastfeeding

The label says to ask a health professional before use if breast-feeding.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to use by the expiration date on the package. Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions are permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep out of reach of children.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says that in case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Aspirin

• Is this medicine right for my specific health conditions, based on the warnings for stomach, kidney, liver, heart, or asthma problems?
• Am I at higher risk for stomach bleeding because of my age, my other medicines, or my drinking habits?
• Can I take this with my blood thinner, diuretic, or prescription medicine for gout, diabetes, or arthritis?
• What should I do if my pain or fever does not improve within the time frame the label describes?
• If I am pregnant or breastfeeding, what is safe for me to take for pain or fever?
• What signs should make me stop and get medical help right away?

❓ Aspirin: frequently asked questions