ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID (ASPIRIN)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic (pain relief) and antipyretic (reduces fever) properties. In low doses, it is also an antiplatelet.

Dosage Forms

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Tablet

300 mg
75 mg

Uses

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  • Mild pain (headache, pain of menstruation, muscle and bone pains)
  • Fever
  • Rheumatic fever
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Secondary prevention of cerebrovascular disease and myocardial infarction
  • Prophylaxis of ischaemic heart disease
  • Acute migraine attacks

Dose and Duration

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Pain and fever
Adult: 300–600 mg every 8 hours or when necessary for 1–3 days
Treatment of acute migraine attacks
Adult: 300–900 mg at first attack, repeated every 4–6 hours if necessary (maximum 4 g daily)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Adult: 1.2 g every 8 hours until symptoms are relieved (give with omeprazole 20 mg once a day if patient experiences serious gastrointestinal intestinal discomfort)
Rheumatic fever
Adult: 600–900 mg every 4–6 hours or when necessary (maximum 4 g daily)
Secondary prevention of cerebrovascular disease and myocardial infarction
Adult: 75 mg once daily for life
Ischaemic heart disease, myocardial infarction
Adult: 300 mg as a single dose

Contraindications

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  • Children <16 years
  • Asthmatic patients
  • Allergy to aspirin or NSAID
  • Peptic ulcer
  • Gout
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Severe kidney or liver disease

Side Effects

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  • Stomach upset
  • Worsens asthma
  • Allergic reactions (rash)
  • Worsens peptic ulcers
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Increased risk of bleeding
  • Reye's syndrome (in children)

Interactions

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  • Warfarin (increased risk of bleeding)
  • Methotrexate (increased risk of bleeding)
  • NSAIDs (increased risk of side effects)

Patient Instructions

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  • Take with food to reduce gastrointestinal disturbances
  • Take with plenty of water

Pregnancy

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  • Do not use

Breast-feeding

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  • Do not use