Aspirin is a medication used to treat mild to moderate pain, reduce fever and treat inflammation. It can also treat or prevent strokes, heart attacks or angina. Although this medication is available without a prescription, people should take time to learn about the potential risks of aspirin before using it and always discuss any questions or concerns with a doctor.
The Basics
Aspirin is available in many different brands, and each brand may have slightly different instructions. People should swallow enteric-coated or extended-release pills whole, but thoroughly chew all chewable tablets before swallowing. Orally disintegrating tablets gradually disintegrate in the mouth and should not be swallowed whole. Dosage instructions may also vary depending on the specific brand. Individuals should carefully read the instructions on the label before using the medication.
Side Effects
Common side effects of aspirin include drowsiness, headache, upset stomach and heartburn. Serious side effects include swelling or pain lasting more than 10 days, severe nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, hearing problems, coughing up blood, vomit that resembles coffee grounds, black or bloody stools and a fever lasting longer than three days. People experiencing any of these serious side effects should contact a doctor immediately. In addition, those taking aspirin should watch for signs of an allergic reaction to the medication and seek emergency medical attention if necessary. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, swelling and difficulty breathing.
No Mixing
People should avoid taking multiple pain relievers while taking aspirin, which may interact negatively with other pain relievers, including ibuprofen, diclofenac, diflunisal, etodolac, flurbiprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, mefenamic acid, meloxicam, nabumetone, naproxen and piroxicam. Because many combination pain reliever medications include aspirin in their ingredients, taking multiple pain relievers can cause an accidental aspirin overdose. People should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking aspirin, as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. In addition, antidepressant medications, the blood thinner warfarin and other salicylate medications may interact negatively with aspirin. Those taking these medications should talk to a doctor before taking aspirin.
Considerations
Some individuals may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take aspirin, warns Drugs.com. These include people with stomach ulcers, kidney disease, gout, nasal polyps, a bleeding disorder, a blood clotting disorder, liver disease, asthma and seasonal allergies. In addition, pregnant women should also avoid taking aspirin during the last trimester unless specifically told to do so by a doctor, explains the Physicians' Desktop Reference website.
Misconceptions
Although taking aspirin occasionally for aches and pains is usually safe, taking aspirin daily can have serious side effects. Many people aim to begin daily aspirin therapy to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, but doing so without the permission of a doctor can be dangerous, warns MayoClinic.com. Individuals interested in the benefits of daily aspirin therapy should always consult a doctor before doing so.
Warning
Do not give aspirin to a child or teen who has a fever, especially if flu symptoms or the chicken pox virus is also present. This may cause Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal condition. People with an allergy to a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or who have a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding or a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia also should not use this medication, warns Drugs.com.
