Aspirin is a medication used to relieve pain, reduce fever or inflammation, and prevent such medical occurrences as a heart attack, stroke or chest pain (angina). According to Drugs.com, aspirin belongs to a class of drugs called salicylates. It decreases certain substances in your body that produce the the aforementioned symptoms. Aspirin is available as an extended-release tablet that may be taken as needed for pain; the 81mg daily dose is meant to prevent a stroke or heart attack.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, aspirin's common side effects include nausea, vomiting, heartburn and stomach pain. In some cases, aspirin may provoke a headache. These side effects should not last for long and do not pose a threat to your life. Discontinue aspirin use if these symptoms do not stop within three to four days.
Serious Side Effects
Aspirin-81 may cause melena (black stools), bloody stools, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Black stools are typically an indication of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (involving your small intestine). Bloody stools are usually an indication of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (involving your colon or rectum). Aspirin-81 may also cause hemoptysis (coughing up blood), a prolonged fever lasting for more than three days, hearing problems and tinnitus (sensation of ringing in your ears). Aspirin-81's other serious effects include pain that remains for greater than 10 days. Call your physician at once and discontinue aspirin use.
Additional Concerns
Avoid aspirin if you are allergic to it. Difficulty breathing, swelling up of your throat or tongue, and hives may result.
Avoid aspirin if you have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, a bleeding disorder, kidney or liver disease, heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), congestive heart failure or asthma. Aspirin may worsen these conditions.
Do not take aspirin while you are pregnant. Drugs.com says that it may lead to low birth weight and heart defects. Aspirin contaminates breast milk, so tell your physician if you intend to nurse your infant.
Avoid combining alcohol with aspirin, as the combination can increase your risk of stomach bleeding.
Do not combine aspirin with such medications as diclofenac, warfarin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen or ketoralac. Aspirin can combine with these drugs and cause the aforementioned side effects.
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