Low Dose Aspirin

Description

The product is identified by the SPL code 34089-3. It is represented by the image file labeled "481R-Walgreens-Aspirin-bottle-label-500s," which is in JPEG format. The reference for this image is "481R-Walgreens-Aspirin-bottle-label-500s.jpg."

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 consider other uses for enteric-coated 81 mg Aspirin upon consultation.

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

Dosage and Administration

Patients should take the medication with a full glass of water to ensure proper administration and absorption.

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

Warnings and Precautions

Patients should be informed of the following warnings and precautions associated with the use of this product.

Reye’s Syndrome Children and teenagers who are experiencing or recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should avoid using this product. If any changes in behavior accompanied by nausea and vomiting occur during use, it is imperative to consult a healthcare professional, as these symptoms may indicate the onset of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition.

Allergy Alert Aspirin has the potential to cause severe allergic reactions. Symptoms may include hives, facial swelling, shock, and asthma (wheezing). Immediate medical attention should be sought if an allergic reaction occurs.

Stomach Bleeding Warning This product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which may increase the risk of severe stomach bleeding. The likelihood of this adverse effect is heightened in individuals who meet any of the following criteria:

• Are aged 60 years or older

• Have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders

• Are concurrently using blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) or steroid drugs

• Are taking other medications that contain NSAIDs, whether prescription or over-the-counter (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen)

• Consume three or more alcoholic beverages daily while using this product

• Exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use

Monitoring and Consultation Patients should discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if any of the following occur:

• Signs of an allergic reaction

• Symptoms indicative of stomach bleeding, such as feeling faint, experiencing bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, or persistent stomach pain

• Worsening pain that lasts longer than 10 days

• Fever that worsens or persists beyond 3 days

• Presence of redness or swelling

• Emergence of new symptoms

• Ringing in the ears or loss of hearing

Emergency Medical Help In the event of an overdose, it is crucial to seek emergency medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

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 can 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 may be early signs of Reye's syndrome.

Aspirin may also cause severe allergic reactions, which can manifest as hives, facial swelling, shock, or asthma (wheezing). Patients should seek immediate medical attention if any signs of an allergic reaction occur.

This product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which may increase the risk of severe stomach bleeding. The risk is heightened 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, or exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use.

Patients are advised to stop using the product and consult a doctor if they experience any signs of stomach bleeding, which may include feeling faint, having bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Additionally, if pain worsens or lasts longer than 10 days, if fever worsens or lasts more than three days, if redness or swelling occurs, if new symptoms arise, or if there is ringing in the ears or loss of hearing, medical advice should be sought.

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

Drug Interactions

The concomitant use of aspirin with anticoagulant medications may elevate the risk of severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing these agents together and consider monitoring for signs of bleeding.

Additionally, the co-administration of aspirin with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including both prescription and over-the-counter options such as ibuprofen and naproxen, may similarly increase the risk of severe stomach bleeding. It is advisable to evaluate the necessity of using multiple NSAIDs concurrently and to monitor patients for gastrointestinal complications.

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 81 mg delayed release tablets). 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. If any changes in behavior accompanied by nausea and vomiting occur while using this product, it is important to consult a doctor, as these symptoms may indicate the onset of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition.

For pediatric patients under 12 years of age, it is advised to consult a doctor before use.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients, particularly those aged 60 and older, may have an increased risk of severe stomach bleeding. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients, considering the potential for heightened adverse effects.

It is advisable to closely monitor elderly patients for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding and to evaluate the necessity of dosage adjustments based on individual health status and concurrent medications. Careful assessment of the risk-benefit ratio is essential in this population to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before using this medication. The use of aspirin during the last trimester of pregnancy is particularly cautioned against, as it may lead to adverse effects on fetal outcomes or complications during delivery. Therefore, it is essential that pregnant patients only use aspirin in this period if explicitly directed by a 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 during the last three months of pregnancy 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 its use in lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

There is no specific information available regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations for patients with renal impairment. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing to patients with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in this patient population.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to the use of this medication. Consequently, there are no established dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the available information.

Overdosage

In the absence of specific information regarding overdosage in the provided sections of the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPL), healthcare professionals are advised to exercise caution when administering the medication.

It is essential to monitor patients closely for any signs of adverse effects or symptoms that may arise from excessive dosing. In the event of suspected overdosage, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Healthcare providers should implement standard supportive measures, which may include symptomatic treatment and monitoring of vital signs. Additionally, it is recommended to consult local poison control centers or relevant toxicology resources for guidance on management strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of the overdosage event.

Documentation of the incident and any interventions undertaken is crucial for ongoing patient care and safety.

Nonclinical Toxicology

It is especially important not to use aspirin during the last three months of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional, as it may lead to complications for the unborn child or during delivery. No specific non-teratogenic effects have been identified in the available data. Additionally, there are no detailed findings regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology provided in the current information.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs. These include allergic reactions such as hives, facial swelling, shock, and asthma (wheezing). Additionally, cases of stomach bleeding have been observed, particularly in patients who are older, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, or are concurrently taking certain medications.

Furthermore, reports of Reye's syndrome have been noted in children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. In the event of an overdose, patients should be instructed to seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Patients must be informed not to use this medication if they are allergic to aspirin or any other pain reliever or fever reducer. They should also refrain from using it if they have previously experienced an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients. In the case of an allergic reaction, patients should stop using the medication and seek medical assistance right away.

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

It is important for healthcare providers to recommend that patients consult a doctor before using this medication if they have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn, or if the stomach bleeding warning applies to them. Patients with high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease should also be advised to seek medical guidance prior to use. Furthermore, patients taking diuretics, those with asthma, or individuals on prescription medications for gout, diabetes, or arthritis should be encouraged to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

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 room temperature, ensuring that it is kept away from excessive heat, particularly temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). Proper storage conditions are crucial to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

No further data are available.

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)