Aspirin:
Aspirin is in a group of medications called salicylates. It works by stopping the production of
certain natural substances that cause fever, pain, swelling, and blood clots. Aspirin is also available
in combination with other medications such as antacids, pain relievers, and cough and cold medications.
Aspirin is an everyday painkiller for aches and pains such as headache, toothache and period pain. It can
also be used to treat colds and flu-like symptoms, and to bring down a high temperature. Aspirin is known as an acetylsalicylic acid.
USES
Aspirin is used to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain from conditions such as muscle aches, toothaches,
common cold, and headaches. It may also be used to reduce pain and swelling in conditions such as arthritis. Aspirin is
known as a salicylate and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
How to use aspirin oral
If you are taking this medication for self-treatment, follow all directions on the product package. If you have any
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If your doctor has directed you to take this medication, take it exactly
as prescribed. Take this medication by mouth. Drink a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) with it unless your doctor
tells you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after you have taken this drug. If stomach upset
occurs while you are taking this medication, you may take it with food or milk. Swallow enteric-coated tablets whole. Do not crush or
chew enteric-coated tablets. Doing so can increase stomach upset.
Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets or capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once,
increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line
and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Read the
product label to find recommendations on how many tablets you can take in a 24-hour period and how long
you may self-treat before seeking medical advice. Do not take more medication or take it for longer than
recommended unless directed by your doctor. Use the smallest effective dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If you are taking this medication for self-treatment of headache, get medical help right away if you also have
trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, or sudden vision changes. Before using this drug, consult a
doctor or pharmacist if you have headaches caused by
head injury, coughing, or bending, or if you have a headache with vomiting that is severe or doesn't stop,
fever, and stiff neck. If you are taking this medication as needed (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work
best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medicine may
not work as well. Aspirin with a special coating (enteric coating) or slow release may take longer to stop pain
because it is absorbed more slowly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to help select the best type of aspirin for you.
You should not take this medication for self-treatment of pain for longer than 10 days. You should not use this
drug to self-treat a fever that lasts longer than 3 days. In these cases, consult a doctor because you may have a
more serious condition. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop ringing in the ears or difficulty hearing.
If your condition lasts or gets worse (such as new or unusual symptoms, redness/swelling of the painful area,
pain/fever that does not go away or gets worse) or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, tell your doctor promptly.