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Aspirin

 

1. Generic Name & Brand Names

  • Generic Name: Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA)

  • Common Brand Names:

    • Bayer®

    • Ecotrin®

    • Bufferin®

    • Anacin® (combination)

    • Numerous generic/store brands (e.g., "Aspirin," "ASA")

2. Dosage Forms

  • Oral:

    • Enteric-coated tablets (delayed-release)

    • Immediate-release tablets

    • Chewable tablets

    • Powder/soluble tablets

    • Suppositories

  • Other:

    • Topical creams (rare, for wart treatment)

3. Drug Class

  • NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)

  • Antiplatelet (blood thinner)

  • Analgesic (pain reliever)

  • Antipyretic (fever reducer)

  • Anti-inflammatory

4. Uses

  • Low Dose (81–325 mg/day):

    • Prevents heart attacks/strokes (antiplatelet effect).

    • Reduces risk in patients with cardiovascular disease.

  • Higher Dose (325–650 mg every 4–6 hrs):

    • Mild-to-moderate pain (headache, toothache, muscle aches).

    • Fever reduction.

    • Anti-inflammatory (arthritis, rheumatic conditions).

  • Other:

    • Kawasaki disease (pediatric, under medical supervision).

    • Pericarditis (rare).

5. Side Effects

  • Common:

    • Upset stomach, heartburn

    • Nausea/vomiting

    • Easy bruising

  • Serious (Require Immediate Care):

    • GI Bleeding/Ulcers: Black/tarry stools, vomiting blood.

    • Bleeding Disorders: Unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, gums).

    • Tinnitus (ringing in ears): Sign of overdose.

    • Severe Allergy: Wheezing, facial swelling (asthma exacerbation in sensitive individuals).

    • Reye’s Syndrome: In children/teens with viral infections (vomiting, confusion, seizures).

    • Kidney/Liver Damage (high-dose/long-term use).

6. Warnings Before Taking

  • Allergy: Avoid if allergic to NSAIDs or salicylates.

  • Bleeding Risk: Do not use if:

    • Active ulcers, hemophilia, low platelets, or on anticoagulants (warfarin, apixaban).

  • Children/Teens: Contraindicated for viral infections (chickenpox/flu) due to Reye’s syndrome risk.

  • Asthma: May trigger severe attacks.

  • Pregnancy (3rd Trimester): Avoid – may cause fetal harm or bleeding.

  • Medical Conditions: Caution with:

    • Gout, kidney/liver disease, uncontrolled hypertension.

  • Drug Interactions:

    • NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) – ↑ bleeding risk.

    • Methotrexate, SSRIs (e.g., sertraline), steroids – ↑ toxicity.

7. How to Take It

  • Pain/Fever: 325–650 mg every 4–6 hrs (max 4,000 mg/day).

  • Cardioprotection: 81–162 mg once daily (dose prescribed by doctor).

  • With Food/Milk: Reduce stomach irritation.

  • Enteric-Coated: Swallow whole; do not crush/chew.

  • Chewable: Crush or chew before swallowing.

  • Avoid Alcohol: ↑ Bleeding/stomach ulcer risk.

8. Uses in Adults

  • Low Dose: Lifelong antiplatelet therapy for CVD prevention.

  • High Dose: Short-term pain/fever relief (≤10 days unless directed).

  • Arthritis: Only under doctor supervision (high GI/renal risks).

9. Missed Dose

  • Anti-platelet (daily low dose): Take as soon as remembered. If near next dose, skip. Never double dose.

  • Pain/Fever (as-needed): Take when required (wait ≥4 hrs between doses).

10. Overdose

  • Symptoms:

    • Nausea/vomiting, tinnitus (ringing ears), hyperventilation, confusion, seizures.

    • Severe: Coma, organ failure.

  • Action: Call poison control (1-800-222-1222) or ER immediately.

11. Avoid While Taking

  • Other NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, naproxen (↑ bleeding risk).

  • Alcohol: ↑ Stomach bleeding.

  • Ginkgo Biloba/Garlic Supplements: ↑ Bleeding.

  • Before Surgery/Dental Work: Stop 7–10 days prior (consult doctor).

12. Storage

  • Temperature: Room temperature (15–30°C / 59–86°F).

  • Moisture: Keep container tightly closed (humidity degrades aspirin).

  • Light: Store in dark place.

  • Child Safety: Use child-resistant packaging; aspirin is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children.

Critical Safety Notes:

⚠️ Reye’s Syndrome: Never give to children/teens with viral infections (use paracetamol instead).
⚠️ GI Bleeding: Risk ↑ with age >60, history of ulcers, or alcohol use.
⚠️ Anti-Platelet Effect: Irreversible – persists 7–10 days after stopping.
⚠️ Dose Matters: 81 mg protects the heart; 650 mg treats pain – do not confuse!

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