Equate Aspirin

Description

Chewable Aspirin is a low-dose nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for pain relief. Each tablet contains 81 mg of aspirin, formulated to support an aspirin regimen. The product is presented in a cherry flavor, enhancing palatability. The package contains 108 tablets, providing a convenient supply for ongoing use.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

Patients should take a full glass of water with each dose to ensure proper administration.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 4 to 8 chewable tablets every 4 hours. The total daily dosage must not exceed 48 tablets within a 24-hour period unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional.

For children under 12 years of age, it is advised to consult a doctor for appropriate dosing recommendations.

Contraindications

Use is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergic reactions to any pain reliever or fever reducer. Additionally, the product should not be administered for at least 7 days following a tonsillectomy or oral surgery, unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.

Warnings and Precautions

Children and teenagers who are experiencing or recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. If any changes in behavior accompanied by nausea and vomiting occur while using this product, it is imperative to consult a healthcare professional, as these symptoms may indicate the onset of this rare but serious illness.

Aspirin may provoke severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Symptoms of such reactions can include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), and shock. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant for these signs and advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they occur.

This product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which carries a risk of severe stomach bleeding. The likelihood of this adverse effect is increased in patients who are 60 years of age or older, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, are taking anticoagulants or steroid medications, are using other NSAIDs (including aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen), consume three or more alcoholic beverages daily, or exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use.

Healthcare providers should advise patients to consult a doctor prior to using this product if they have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn, or if they have conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease. Additionally, patients taking diuretics or those with asthma should seek medical advice before use.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center should be contacted at 1-800-222-1222.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and contact a healthcare professional if they experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives or swelling. They should also seek medical attention if they notice any symptoms indicative of stomach bleeding, including feeling faint, vomiting blood, passing bloody or black stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Furthermore, if pain worsens or lasts longer than 10 days, if fever intensifies or persists beyond three days, if redness or swelling occurs, if new symptoms arise, or if there is ringing in the ears or loss of hearing, patients should stop taking the product and consult their doctor.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware of several serious adverse reactions associated with its use. Reye’s syndrome is a rare but serious illness that may occur in children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms. If patients experience changes in behavior accompanied by nausea and vomiting while using this product, they should consult a doctor immediately, as these symptoms could indicate the onset of Reye’s syndrome.

Additionally, there is a significant risk of severe allergic reactions to aspirin, which may manifest as hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), or shock. Patients experiencing any signs of an allergic reaction should seek medical attention promptly.

This product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which carries a risk of severe stomach bleeding. The likelihood of this adverse reaction is increased in patients who are 60 years of age or older, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, are taking anticoagulants or steroid medications, are using other NSAIDs (including aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen), consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product, or exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience any signs of an allergic reaction or symptoms indicative of stomach bleeding, such as feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Furthermore, if pain worsens or lasts longer than 10 days, if fever intensifies or persists beyond three days, if redness or swelling occurs, if new symptoms arise, or if there is ringing in the ears or loss of hearing, patients should seek medical evaluation, as these may be signs of a serious condition.

Drug Interactions

Patients taking anticoagulants or steroid medications may experience increased risks of adverse effects when co-administered with this drug. It is advisable to monitor patients closely for signs of bleeding or other complications associated with anticoagulation therapy. Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on clinical judgment and patient response.

Additionally, concurrent use of this drug with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including prescription and nonprescription options such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, may heighten the risk of gastrointestinal irritation or bleeding. Careful monitoring is recommended, and dosage adjustments should be considered to mitigate these risks.

No specific interactions with laboratory tests have been identified in the available data.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Equate Aspirin (aspirin). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness. If changes in behavior accompanied by nausea and vomiting occur while using this product, a healthcare professional should be consulted, as these may be early signs of Reye’s syndrome.

For children under 12 years of age, it is advised to consult a doctor before use. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 4 to 8 chewable tablets every 4 hours, with a maximum of 48 tablets in a 24-hour period unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients, particularly those aged 60 and older, are at an increased risk for severe stomach bleeding. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers to exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients.

Before initiating treatment, it is advisable to consult a physician if the patient has a history of stomach problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease. These conditions are more prevalent in the elderly population and may necessitate careful monitoring or dosage adjustments to ensure safety and efficacy.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before using this medication. The use of aspirin during pregnancy, particularly at 20 weeks gestation or later, is associated with potential risks. Specifically, it may lead to adverse effects on fetal outcomes or complications during delivery. Therefore, it is crucial that pregnant patients only use aspirin under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider if deemed necessary.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional before using this medication. It is particularly important to avoid the use of aspirin at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later unless specifically directed by a physician, as it may pose risks to the unborn child or lead to complications during delivery. There is no specific data available regarding the excretion of this medication in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when considering the use of this medication during lactation.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they have conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease. It is essential to assess renal function and consider potential dosing adjustments or monitoring requirements based on the severity of renal impairment.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they have conditions such as liver cirrhosis. It is essential for these patients to receive appropriate evaluation and monitoring due to the potential impact of compromised liver function on the pharmacokinetics of the medication. Adjustments to dosage may be necessary based on the severity of liver impairment, and ongoing assessment of liver function is recommended to ensure safety and efficacy.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. Healthcare professionals are advised to call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance on managing the situation effectively.

Prompt intervention is crucial in mitigating potential adverse effects associated with an overdose. Symptoms may vary depending on the substance involved, and healthcare providers should be prepared to assess and manage these symptoms as they arise.

Management procedures may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the specific clinical presentation of the patient. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure patient safety and to address any complications that may develop during the course of treatment.

Nonclinical Toxicology

It is especially important not to use aspirin at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor, as it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery. No specific non-teratogenic effects or additional nonclinical toxicology details are available in the provided data. Furthermore, there are no specific findings related to animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has revealed reports of various adverse reactions associated with the use of this product. These include allergic reactions such as hives, facial swelling, and asthma (wheezing). Additionally, instances of stomach bleeding have been reported, particularly in patients with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, as well as those concurrently using anticoagulants or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Reports also indicate symptoms of serious conditions, including feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, and persistent stomach pain. Furthermore, new symptoms have been documented, such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and loss of hearing.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical help or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. It is crucial to inform patients that they should not use this medication if they have ever experienced an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever or fever reducer.

Patients should be instructed not to use the medication for at least 7 days following a tonsillectomy or oral surgery unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional. They should be made aware of the signs of an allergic reaction and instructed to stop use and consult a doctor immediately if such symptoms occur.

Healthcare providers should emphasize the importance of monitoring for signs of stomach bleeding, which include feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or experiencing stomach pain that does not improve. Patients should be advised to discontinue use and seek medical attention if pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days, if fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, if redness or swelling is observed, or if new symptoms arise. Additionally, patients should be informed to stop use and consult a doctor if they experience ringing in the ears or a loss of hearing.

It is recommended that healthcare providers ask patients about their medical history, particularly regarding any history of stomach problems such as heartburn, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease, as these conditions may necessitate caution. Patients should also be advised to consult a doctor before use if they are taking a diuretic or have asthma. Furthermore, it is prudent for patients to discuss with their doctor or pharmacist if they are currently taking prescription medications for gout, diabetes, or arthritis before using this medication.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It is essential to store the product at a controlled temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to maintain its integrity and efficacy. Proper storage conditions should be ensured to prevent any degradation of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally, with specific dosing guidelines for different age groups. Adults and children aged 12 years and older are advised to take 4 to 8 chewable tablets every 4 hours, not exceeding 48 tablets in a 24-hour period unless directed by a physician. For children under 12 years, consultation with a doctor is recommended prior to use.

Clinicians should counsel patients to discuss any heart-related concerns with their healthcare provider before using this product. No additional information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experiences.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Equate Aspirin, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)