Aspirin
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by reducing pain, fever, and inflammation. It also prevents blood clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation.
Uses
Aspirin is used for:
- Pain relief (headache, muscle pain, toothache, arthritis)
- Fever reduction
- Inflammation reduction
- Heart attack & stroke prevention (low-dose aspirin helps prevent clot formation)
- Rheumatoid arthritis & osteoarthritis
- Kawasaki disease (in children, under medical supervision)
Dosage
Dosage depends on the condition being treated. Always follow medical advice.
Typical Adult Dosage:
- Pain/Fever: 325–650 mg every 4–6 hours as needed (Max: 4,000 mg/day)
- Heart Attack/Stroke Prevention: 75–325 mg once daily (low-dose therapy)
- Arthritis & Inflammation: 2,600–3,600 mg per day in divided doses (under medical supervision)
Administration:
- Take with food or water to reduce stomach irritation.
- Do not crush/chew enteric-coated tablets.
- Avoid taking with alcohol to prevent stomach bleeding.
Side Effects
Common side effects include:
- Stomach irritation or pain
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus) at high doses
Serious side effects (seek medical help immediately):
- Stomach ulcers or bleeding (black stools, vomiting blood)
- Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Liver or kidney damage (rare at low doses)
- Reye’s syndrome in children (a rare but serious condition, especially after viral infections)
Precautions
- Do not use if allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
- Avoid if you have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, or kidney disease.
- Not recommended for children under 16 (risk of Reye’s syndrome).
- Use with caution in pregnancy & breastfeeding – consult a doctor.
- Monitor for bleeding if taken with blood thinners (e.g., Warfarin, Clopidogrel).
Drug Interactions
- Avoid with other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen) – increases bleeding risk.
- Can interact with blood thinners, steroids, and some antidepressants.
- Reduces effectiveness of some blood pressure medications.
Who Can Take Aspirin?
- Adults needing pain relief, fever reduction, or heart disease prevention.
- Individuals prescribed aspirin for stroke or heart attack prevention.
Who Should Avoid Aspirin?
- Children under 16 years old (unless prescribed).
- People with active ulcers, severe kidney/liver disease, or bleeding disorders.
- Pregnant women (especially in the third trimester) unless advised by a doctor.
Consult a Healthcare Provider
Always consult a doctor before taking aspirin regularly, especially for heart disease prevention or if taking other medications.
Aspirin is a widely used medication with pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and blood-thinning properties. While effective, it carries risks of stomach irritation and bleeding, so use it carefully and under medical guidance.
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