Acetylsalicylic Acid, Oral/Rectal
What are other names for this medicine?
Type of medicine: salicylate
Generic and brand names: acetylsalicylic acid, oral; acetylsalicylic acid, rectal; aspirin, oral; aspirin, rectal; 8-Hour Bayer Caplets; A.S.A., oral; A.S.A., rectal; Aspergum; Bayer Aspirin; Bayer Children's Aspirin; Easprin; Ecotrin; Ecotrin Maximum Strength; Empirin; Genprin; Halfprin 81; Maximum Bayer Aspirin; Measurin; Norwich Aspirin; Norwich Extra Strength Aspirin; ZORprin
What is this medicine used for?
This medicine is in a class of drugs called salicylates. It is used to reduce fever and relieve pain. It may be used to treat arthritis.
Salicylates can cause serious side effects such as Reye's syndrome in children and adolescents with viral infections such as the flu or chickenpox. Ask your health care provider before giving this medicine to children with flu symptoms or poxlike skin blisters.
Aspirin is also used to help prevent and treat heart attacks.
What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?
If you have asthma, talk with your health care provider before you take this medicine.
Check with your health care provider if you are taking other painkillers, including nonprescription products, to avoid the risk of overdose.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. You need to be very careful about using aspirin during the third trimester of pregnancy. Talk with your health care provider about this.
How do I use it?
This medicine works best when taken with food. Take it with a full glass (8 ounces) of water to lessen stomach irritation. If you are taking this medicine for arthritis, take it regularly. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.
If you cannot take aspirin orally, this medicine also comes in suppository form for rectal use.
What should I watch out for?
Drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine increases the risk of severe stomach irritation. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
Be aware of the risk of overdose. If you become seriously ill, get medical help right away.
What are the possible side effects?
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Severe diarrhea, bloody urine, black tarry stools, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, vision problems, severe stomach pain, ringing in your ears.
What products might interact with this medicine?
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:
- blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- other medicines that contain salicylates.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
