Aspirin

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Disprin, Disprin cardiocare, ecotrin (coated tablets)

Popular combinations:

Found in many cold & flu preparations eg. Corenza C, coryx

Drug type:

Non-opioid analgesic, antiplatelet drug, and antipyretic

Prescription needed:

No

What does it do?

• Reduces fever
• Relieves pain: joint or muscle aches associated with colds and flu, headaches, menstrual pains, symptoms of arthritis
• Helps to prevent blood clots and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes

How should it be used?

• Should be taken with or after food or milk
• Use with caution if you are asthmatic as aspirin can provoke asthma attacks

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Available as tablets/SR capsules/suppositories
• Relief of pain or fever: 300–900mg every 4–6 hours, as needed
• Prevention of blood clot: 75–300mg once daily

How quickly will it start to work?

Regular aspirin 30–60 minutes; coated tablets 1–8 hours

How long will the effects last?

Up to 12 hours (7–10 days when used to prevent blood clotting)

When should I stop using it?

If you have been prescribed aspirin by your doctor for a long-term condition, you should seek medical advice before stopping the drug.
                      

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Should not be taken in high doses for prolonged periods

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: nausea, vomiting, or indigestion
• Less common: peptic ulcers or bleeding
• Rare: Reye’s syndrome (serious brain and liver disorder in children)
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: rash, breathlessness, wheezing, vomiting of blood, black faeces, ringing in the ears or dizziness, blurred vision

OVERDOSE ACTION

Seek immediate advice in all cases.

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: allergy to aspirin or any NSAID, liver/kidney problems, asthma, blood clotting disorder, history of peptic ulcer, G6PD deficiency
• Other medicines: Anticoagulants, drugs for gout, NSAIDs, methotrexate, sulphonylureas, corticosteroids, some SSRI antidepressants
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Not usually recommended, dangerous for foetus and passes into the breast milk
• Children: aspirin not recommended for children <16 years, use only if prescribed by a doctor
• Over 60: Adverse effects more likely
• Driving and hazardous work: No special problems
• Surgery and general anaesthetics: Regular treatment with aspirin may need to be stopped about one week before surgery
• Alcohol: Avoid, increase likelihood of stomach irritation