Aspirin

About aspirin

This belongs to the group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Aspirin can be used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by rheumatic and muscular pain, sprains, strains, backache, headache, sore throat, toothache and period pain.

Aspirin can also be used to treat cold and 'flu-like' symptoms and reduce fever (high temperature) in adults (over 16 years of age).

Aspirin is also used in low doses to help thin the blood, for more information see the separate leaflet called 'aspirin anti-platelet'.

Aspirin is available in tablet, enteric-coated tablet, dispersible tablet and suppository form.

It is also sometimes known as: Angettes; Aspro; Aspro clear; Caprin; Disprin; Nu-seals aspirin. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking aspirin

Before taking aspirin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you have high blood pressure or heart failure
• if you suffer from gout
• if you are under 16 years of age
• if you suffer from asthma or other allergic disorders
• if you suffer from any blood disorders including haemophilia or G6PD-deficiency
• if you have ever suffered from a peptic ulcer (stomach ulcer)
• if you suffer from indigestion, heartburn or any other digestive or bowel problems
• if you have ever had an unusual or allergic type reaction from taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Other NSAIDs include ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen.
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take aspirin

• Always take aspirin exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment. Dosage instructions will vary depending on the type of aspirin you are taking and the condition being treated.
• Take aspirin with or after food to avoid stomach irritation.
• You should drink plenty of water while you are taking aspirin to avoid dehydration, at least 6 glasses a day.
• If you are taking aspirin for arthritis or rheumatism, it is important to take it at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you have been supplied the enteric coated tablets, they should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed.
• If you take indigestion remedies, do not take them at the same time of day as the enteric coated tablets. Take them at least one hour before or two hours after a dose of aspirin.
• aspirin is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of aspirin contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Follow the instructions below if you have been prescribed aspirin suppositories.

How to use the suppositories

• If the suppository is too soft, it may be chilled in the refrigerator or under cold running water before unwrapping. Remove the wrapping and moisten the suppository with water. Lie on your left side (if you are right handed) and draw your knees up towards your chest, with the right leg drawn up more than the left.
• Using your forefinger (index finger) or middle finger, whichever you find easier, gently push the suppository into the rectum (back passage), pointed end first.
• The suppository should be inserted as far as possible, pushing the end of the suppository sideways to ensure contact with the wall of the bowel.
• Lower your legs to a comfortable position to help you to hold the suppository in place.

Getting the most from your treatment

• The Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) has recommended that preparations containing aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 16 unless it has been prescribed by a doctor to treat specific conditions. aspirin should not therefore be given to children under the age of 16 to treat minor illnesses. This is because there is a possible association between aspirin and Reye's syndrome when given to children. Reye's syndrome is a very rare disease that can be fatal.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, especially cold and flu preparations which may also contain aspirin, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside aspirin.
• aspirin may cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert

Can aspirin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. If any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Feeling or being sick, tummy pain, heartburn.

Important: aspirin may sometimes cause allergic reactions, this is most common in people who have asthma. If you experience swelling of the lips, mouth and throat; sudden skin rash; wheezing or breathing problems, a high temperature with a sore throat stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor or accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.

Important: If you experience black or bloody stools or blood in the urine, deafness or ringing in the ears, dizziness, confusion or swollen lower legs stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to aspirin, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store aspirin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2006   Updated: 26/01/2006