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DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:
Acetyl Salicylic Acid Tablets is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation
in the body. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers of mild
to moderate pain of many causes, including injury, menstrual
cramps, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Since the
response to different NSAIDs varies from patient to patient, it is
not unusual for a doctor to try different NSAIDs for any given
condition.
PREPARATIONS:
chewable tablets: 81mg; caplets and tablets: 325mg, 500mg; enteric
coated (safety coated) caplets and tablets: 325mg, 500mg
PRESCRIBED FOR:
Acetyl Salicylic Acid Tablets is used for the treatment of
inflammation and pain that results from many forms of arthritis,
including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, systemic lupus
erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome, and
osteoarthritis, as well as soft tissue injuries, such as
tendinitis and bursitis. Acetyl Salicylic Acid Tablets is also
used for rapid relief of mild to moderate pain and fever. Because
Acetyl Salicylic Acid Tablets inhibits the action of blood
clotting element (platelets), it is used to reduce the risk of
recurrent stroke and near-stroke (transient ischemic attack). It
is similarly used to prevent heart attack.
DOSING:
Should be taken with food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Acetyl Salicylic Acid Tablets should be avoided by patients with
peptic ulcer disease or poor kidney function, since this
medication can aggravate both conditions. Acetyl Salicylic Acid
Tablets is avoided in patients taking blood thinning medications
(anticoagulants) such as warfarin (Coumadin), because of an
increased risk of bleeding. Some asthma patients can have
worsening of breathing while taking Acetyl Salicylic Acid Tablets.
Acetyl Salicylic Acid Tablets can alter the blood uric acid level
and is avoided in patients with hyperuricemia and gout. Children
and teenagers should avoid Acetyl Salicylic Acid Tablets for flu
or chickenpox symptoms because of the associated risk of Reye's
Syndrome, a serious disease of the liver and nervous system that
can lead to coma. Acetyl Salicylic Acid Tablets is not habit
forming. Acetyl Salicylic Acid Tablets can increase the effect of
medicines used to treat diabetes mellitus, resulting in abnormally
low blood sugars if not monitored. NSAIDs should be discontinued
prior to elective surgery because of a mild tendency to interfere
with blood clotting. Acetyl Salicylic Acid Tablets is best
discontinued at least ten to fourteen days in advance of the
procedure.
PREGNANCY:
Acetyl Salicylic Acid Tablets is generally avoided during
pregnancy and in nursing mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Most patients benefit from Acetyl Salicylic Acid Tablets and other
NSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can
occur and generally tend to be dose related. Therefore, it is
advisable to use the lowest effective dose to minimize side
effects. The most common side effects of Acetyl Salicylic Acid
Tablets involve the gastrointestinal system and ringing in the
ears. It can cause ulcerations, abdominal burning, pain, cramping,
nausea, gastritis, and even serious gastrointestinal bleeding and
liver toxicity. Sometimes, stomach ulceration and bleeding can
occur without any abdominal pain. Black tarry stools, weakness,
and dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal
bleeding. Should ringing in the ears occur, the daily dose should
be reduced. Rash, kidney impairment, vertigo, and lightheadedness
can also occur.
WARNING:
Children and teenagers should not use aspirin, aspirin- containing
or aspirin-related medications for flu symptoms or chickenpox
without first consulting a doctor. A rare but serious illness
known as Reye's syndrome may occur.
USES:
Aspirin is used to relieve mild to moderate pain, reduce fever, to
reduce inflammation and swelling in conditions such as arthritis
and is used in low doses as a "blood thinner" to prevent the
formation of blood clots. It is effective in reducing the risk of
stroke and offers a protective effect against heart attacks in men
with chest pain.
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