Low Dose Aspirin

Description

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for pain relief. This formulation is a low-dose regimen, containing 81 mg of aspirin per tablet. The tablets are enteric-coated and safety-coated to enhance gastrointestinal tolerability. The product is packaged with a tamper-evident feature; users should not use the product if the printed safety seal under the cap is broken or missing. For complete warnings and product information, it is advised to retain the outer carton.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains, or as recommended by a healthcare professional. Due to its delayed action, this product is not suitable for the fast relief of headaches or other symptoms requiring immediate alleviation. Healthcare providers may be consulted regarding additional uses for safety coated 81 mg aspirin.

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

Dosage and Administration

Patients should take the medication with a full glass of water for optimal efficacy.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 4 to 8 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 physician for appropriate dosing recommendations.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to aspirin or any other pain reliever or fever reducer. Additionally, it should not be administered to patients who have a history of allergic reactions to this product or any of its components.

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 Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition.

Aspirin may provoke severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Symptoms of such reactions can include hives, facial swelling, shock, and asthma (wheezing). Immediate medical attention should be sought if any of these symptoms 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 individuals who are 60 years of age or older, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders, 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 professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor prior to use if any of the following conditions apply: a history of stomach problems such as heartburn, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, or asthma. Additionally, patients taking prescription medications for gout, diabetes, or arthritis should seek guidance from a healthcare provider or pharmacist before using this product.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be obtained, or the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) should be contacted without delay.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and contact their doctor if they experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives or swelling, or if they exhibit symptoms indicative of stomach bleeding, including feeling faint, vomiting blood, passing bloody or black stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Other concerning symptoms that warrant medical attention include worsening pain lasting more than 10 days, fever that worsens or persists beyond three days, visible redness or swelling, ringing in the ears or loss of hearing, or the emergence of new symptoms that may suggest a serious condition.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware of several potential adverse reactions, which can range from serious to common.

Serious adverse reactions include the risk of Reye's syndrome, particularly 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, they should consult a healthcare professional immediately, as these may be early signs of this rare but serious illness.

An allergy alert is warranted, as aspirin may induce severe allergic reactions. Symptoms can include hives, facial swelling, shock, and asthma (wheezing). Patients experiencing any signs of an allergic reaction should seek medical attention promptly.

Additionally, this product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which carries a stomach bleeding warning. The risk of severe stomach bleeding is heightened in patients who are 60 years or older, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, are taking anticoagulants or steroid medications, consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily, or use other NSAIDs concurrently. Patients should be vigilant for signs of stomach bleeding, such as feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. If any of these symptoms occur, patients should stop use and consult a doctor.

Common adverse reactions may include prolonged pain or fever, which should be evaluated if they worsen or last beyond 10 days or 3 days, respectively. Patients should also be cautious of redness or swelling, ringing in the ears, or loss of hearing, and report any new symptoms to their healthcare provider.

Before using this product, patients should consult a doctor if they have a history of stomach problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, or asthma. It is also advisable to seek guidance if they are taking prescription medications for gout, diabetes, or arthritis.

Drug Interactions

The concomitant use of anticoagulants or steroid medications may significantly elevate the risk of severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing these agents together and consider monitoring for signs of gastrointestinal distress.

The co-administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including both prescription and over-the-counter options such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, also heightens the risk of severe stomach bleeding. It is advisable to evaluate the necessity of NSAID therapy in patients already receiving anticoagulants or steroids.

Patients taking prescription medications for gout, diabetes, or arthritis should consult their healthcare provider to assess potential interactions and the need for dosage adjustments or enhanced monitoring.

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

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Low Dose 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 any changes in behavior accompanied by nausea and vomiting occur while using this product, it is essential to consult a doctor, as these may be early signs of Reye's syndrome.

For dosing, adults and children aged 12 years and over may take 4 to 8 tablets every 4 hours, not exceeding 48 tablets in a 24-hour period unless directed by a doctor. For children under 12 years, consultation with a doctor is required before use.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients, particularly those aged 60 and older, are at an increased risk of severe stomach bleeding when using this product, which contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The risk is further heightened in individuals with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, those who are concurrently using blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) or steroid drugs, and patients taking other NSAIDs, whether prescription or over-the-counter, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this product to geriatric patients, especially if they consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using the medication. It is essential to monitor these patients closely for any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding and to consider dose adjustments or alternative therapies as necessary. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that elderly patients adhere to the recommended dosage and duration of treatment to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

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 the unborn child or complications during delivery. Therefore, it is crucial that pregnant patients only use aspirin under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.

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 comorbid 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 degree of renal impairment.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they have underlying conditions such as liver cirrhosis. It is essential for these patients to receive appropriate evaluation and monitoring of their liver function to ensure safe use of the medication. Adjustments to dosage may be necessary based on the severity of hepatic impairment, and ongoing assessment of liver function is recommended throughout the treatment period.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance. Healthcare professionals are advised to contact a 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 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 of 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

No specific postmarketing experience details are available in the extracted data. As such, there are no additional adverse events or rare case reports to summarize.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. It is important for patients to understand the seriousness of an overdose and the necessity of prompt action to ensure their safety.

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 temperature range of 15 to 30ºC (59 to 86ºF) to maintain its efficacy and stability. Proper storage conditions must be adhered to, ensuring that the product is kept within this specified temperature range to prevent degradation.

Additional Clinical Information

The route of administration for the medication is oral. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use. It is particularly crucial 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.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)