Home Molecules Aspirin / Acetyl Salicylic Acid

Aspirin / Acetyl Salicylic Acid

Molecule Description

Aspirin belongs to the group of medicines called Salicylates. It acts as anti-i

nflammatory analgesic and antiplatelet agent.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Aspirin / Acetyl Salicylic Acid

Aspirin (low dose i.e., 75-150mg) used for chest pain, heart attacks, stroke, and it prevents blood clots with heart-related diseases.
Aspirin (high dose i.e., above 150 mg) used for fever, pain, swelling (inflammation), and rheumatic fever, heart attacks (by thinning the blood).

Contraindications of Aspirin / Acetyl Salicylic Acid

When should one not use Aspirin / Acetyl Salicylic Acid

If you are allergic to this medicine or any of the ingredient of this medicine
If you have bleeding disorders
If you have a history of ulcer in the stomach or small intestine
If your age is below 16years
If you have a severe kidney or liver problem
If you are pregnant (last 3 months) or breastfeeding
If you are taking medicines for cancer or rheumatoid arthritis (like methotrexate- more than 15mg per week)

Side effects of Aspirin / Acetyl Salicylic Acid

Common side effects of this drug are:

Sever allergic reactions (skin rashes or itching, or wheezing or coughing or difficulty breathing)
Nausea
Vomiting
Ringing in your ears
Pain or discomfort in your stomach after eating
Lower chest pain after eating
Reddening of the skin
Unusual bleeding (blood in cough or vomit, black stool)
Stroke (due to bleeding in the brain)
Indigestion
Increased tendency of bleeding

Precautions and Warnings of Aspirin / Acetyl Salicylic Acid

Pregnancy

Can I take Aspirin / Acetyl Salicylic Acid during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should not take this medicine unless advised by the doctor as it is unsafe during pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Aspirin / Acetyl Salicylic Acid while breastfeeding?

This medicine is excreted into breast milk. So women should not breastfeed during the treatment. It is advised to consult a doctor before taking this medicine.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Aspirin / Acetyl Salicylic Acid?

It does not impair your driving ability.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Aspirin / Acetyl Salicylic Acid?

You should not drink alcohol while taking Aspirin. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of intestinal bleeding and prolong bleeding time.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You feel dehydrated or thirsty
You have kidney, liver or heart problem
You have high blood pressure
You are suffering from asthma
You are suffering from a condition called glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
You experience heavy menstrual periods

Mode of Action of Aspirin / Acetyl Salicylic Acid

How Does It Work?

Aspirin works by suppressing the production of chemicals (Prostaglandins and Thromboxane) which cause pain, fever and inflammation. It also prevents your blood cells sticking together and forming a bl...

Interactions of Aspirin / Acetyl Salicylic Acid

Interactions with other medicines

Medicines for thinning of the blood (e.g. warfarin)
Medicines to prevent organ rejection after transplantation (e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus)
Medicines to treat high blood pressure (e.g. diuretics and ACE-inhibitors)
Medicines to treat pain and inflammation (e.g. anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen or steroids)
Medicines to treat gout (e.g. probenecid)
Medicines to treat cancer or rheumatoid arthritis (e.g. methotrexate)
Medicines to treat diabetes (like insulin)
Medicines used as hormone replacement therapy (corticosteroids)
Medicines used to treat inflammation (including rheumatic diseases and inflammation of the intestines)
Medicines to treat fits or epilepsy (phenytoin or sodium valproate)
Medicines to treat infections (antibiotics) such as sulfamethoxazole
Medicines used to treat high pressure inside the eye (glaucoma) like acetazolamide
Medicines to treat acidity (antacids)

Interactions with food items

No information is available on interactions with food while you are taking Aspirin, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.

Dietary Restrictions of Aspirin / Acetyl Salicylic Acid

Not much information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking Aspirin, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.

Dosage of Aspirin / Acetyl Salicylic Acid

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose includes ringing in the ears, dizziness, deafness, sweating, warm arms or legs, increased pulse or breathing rate. So if you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact...

Missed a Dose

Do not double the dose if you happen to miss a dose. Follow the regular dosage.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Abhishek B L

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Aspirin?

A: If you are a known patient of bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or are taking blood thinners, you must tell your doctor about it. Also, if you have had a history of ulcers, stomach swelling (inflammation), kidney disease, gout, asthma, or breathing difficulty that was induced by a painkiller, you must tell your doctor about it.

Q: What should I know regarding the storage of medication?

A: Store it at room temperature or away from excessive heat or moisture.

Q: Any precautions to be followed while taking Aspirin?

A: Before you undergo any surgeries or during medical emergencies, tell your doctor that you are on treatment with Aspirin, as excess Aspirin can cause bleeding disorders.

Q: When and how to consume the medicine?

A: The standard dose prescribed by the doctor is to take Aspirin at bedtime for heart-related diseases. See to it that you take the dose exactly as prescribed by the doctor and do not stop taking medicine unless suggested. For pain management, the dosages are as per the severity and are for a limited period. Aspirin tablet is to be taken with water, after food or milk and avoided on an empty stomach.

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Last Updated on: 24 Dec 2020 | 01:48 PM (IST)

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