Aspirin

Description

Sunmark® Low Dose Aspirin is an enteric-coated nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for pain relief. Each tablet contains 81 mg of aspirin, and the product is available in a bottle containing 180 tablets. This formulation is designed to minimize gastrointestinal irritation associated with aspirin use. The product is comparable to St. Joseph® Low Dose Aspirin, and it is identified by NDC 49348-981-15.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains. Healthcare professionals are advised to consult with patients regarding potential additional uses for this product.

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, the use of this medication is not recommended unless specifically directed by a physician.

Contraindications

Use is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to aspirin or any other pain reliever or fever reducer. Due to the potential for severe allergic reactions, administration in these patients is not recommended.

Warnings and Precautions

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

Aspirin may induce severe allergic reactions, which can manifest as hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), or shock. This product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which carries the risk of severe stomach bleeding. The likelihood of such an event 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 while using this product, or exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use.

Individuals should refrain from using this product if they have a known allergy to aspirin or any other pain reliever or fever reducer. Prior to use, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if any of the following conditions apply: a history of stomach bleeding, existing stomach issues such as heartburn, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, use of diuretics, or a diagnosis of asthma. Additionally, consultation with a doctor or pharmacist is recommended for those taking prescription medications for diabetes, gout, or arthritis.

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

Users should discontinue use and contact a healthcare provider if any of the following occur: signs of an allergic reaction, symptoms indicative of stomach bleeding (such as feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain), worsening pain lasting more than 10 days, the presence of redness or swelling, the emergence of new symptoms, or any ringing in the ears or loss of hearing.

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.

Additionally, the product may cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Symptoms of such reactions can include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), and shock. Patients experiencing any signs of an allergic reaction should seek medical help right away.

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 blood-thinning medications or steroids, 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 stop using the product and consult a doctor if they experience any signs of stomach bleeding, which may include 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 redness or swelling occurs, if new symptoms arise, or if there is ringing in the ears or loss of hearing, patients should seek medical attention, as these could indicate serious conditions.

Drug Interactions

Aspirin has the potential to cause severe gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly when co-administered with anticoagulants or steroid medications. This interaction is primarily pharmacodynamic in nature, as both aspirin and these drug classes can increase the risk of bleeding.

Patients taking prescription medications for diabetes, gout, or arthritis should consult a healthcare professional prior to initiating aspirin therapy. This recommendation is crucial to ensure safe use and to evaluate the need for any dosage adjustments or enhanced monitoring based on the specific medications involved.

Packaging & NDC

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

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients, particularly those under 12 years of age, should not use this product unless directed by a healthcare professional. The use of this product is contraindicated in children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms due to the associated risk of Reye's syndrome.

In the event of behavioral changes accompanied by nausea and vomiting, it is essential to consult a doctor, as these may be early indicators of Reye's syndrome. For patients aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 4 to 8 tablets every 4 hours, with a maximum of 48 tablets in a 24-hour period unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients, particularly those aged 60 years 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 any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding and to evaluate the necessity of dosage adjustments based on individual patient factors. Careful assessment of the risk-benefit ratio is essential in this population to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to use. The use of aspirin during the last trimester of pregnancy is particularly cautioned against, as it may pose risks to the unborn child and lead to 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 prior to using this medication if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is particularly important to avoid the use of aspirin during the last three months of pregnancy unless explicitly directed by a healthcare provider, 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.

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 of their liver function to ensure safe and effective 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 or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. The national Poison Control Center can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that timely intervention is crucial in managing overdose situations. Symptoms of overdose may vary depending on the substance involved, and it is essential to monitor the patient closely for any signs of adverse reactions.

Management of an overdose typically involves supportive care and symptomatic treatment. Healthcare providers should ensure that the patient is stabilized and may need to implement specific protocols based on the substance taken. Continuous assessment and monitoring of vital signs are recommended to guide further treatment decisions.

In summary, prompt action and appropriate medical intervention are vital in the management of overdose cases to mitigate potential complications and ensure patient 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 additional non-teratogenic effects or specific nonclinical toxicology details have been identified in the available data. Furthermore, there are no reported findings related to animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

No postmarketing experience details are available in the insert text.

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 have a known allergy to aspirin or any other pain reliever or fever reducer. They should be counseled to stop use and consult a doctor if they experience any signs of an allergic reaction, which may require immediate medical attention. Additionally, patients should be made aware of the signs of stomach bleeding, including feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. They should also be advised to seek medical advice if their pain worsens or lasts longer than 10 days, if redness or swelling occurs, if new symptoms develop, or if they experience ringing in the ears or loss of hearing, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Healthcare providers should encourage patients to consult with 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 seek medical advice prior to use. Furthermore, those taking diuretics or who have asthma should be advised to discuss their situation with a healthcare professional.

Lastly, patients should be encouraged to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this medication if they are currently taking prescription drugs for diabetes, gout, or arthritis to ensure safe and effective use.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a carton that contains essential information and warnings. It should be stored in a dry place at a temperature range of 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) to ensure optimal stability and efficacy. It is recommended to retain the carton for reference to complete product information.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use. It is particularly crucial to avoid aspirin during the last trimester of pregnancy unless explicitly 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 Aspirin, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)