Aspirin

Description

EQUALINE® is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for pain relief. Each tablet contains 325 mg of aspirin, which is comparable to the active ingredient in Ecotrin® Regular Strength Aspirin. The product is presented in a dosage form of enteric-coated tablets, designed to minimize gastrointestinal irritation. The package contains 125 tablets, each of which is of regular strength. The National Drug Code (NDC) for this product is 41163-522-02.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with various conditions, including headache, muscle pain, toothache, menstrual pain, colds, and minor pain of arthritis. It may also be used as recommended by a healthcare professional.

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 to ensure proper administration and absorption.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 1 to 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed for symptom relief. It is important not to exceed 12 tablets within a 24-hour period unless specifically 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 individuals with a known allergy to aspirin or any other pain reliever or fever reducer.

Warnings and Precautions

Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product. If 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, presence of redness or swelling, fever that worsens or persists beyond three days, emergence of new symptoms, or occurrences of ringing in the ears or loss of hearing.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware of several serious and common 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.

Aspirin, an active ingredient in this 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 stomach pain that does not improve. Additionally, if pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days, if redness or swelling occurs, if fever worsens or lasts for more than three days, if new symptoms arise, or if there is ringing in the ears or loss of hearing, medical attention should be sought, as these could be indicative of a serious condition.

Drug Interactions

Aspirin has several notable interactions that may impact patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Anticoagulants Aspirin may enhance the effects of blood-thinning medications, leading to an increased risk of severe gastrointestinal bleeding. It is advisable for patients on anticoagulant therapy to consult their healthcare provider prior to initiating aspirin therapy to evaluate the need for dosage adjustments or enhanced monitoring.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Concurrent use of aspirin with other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may further elevate the risk of stomach bleeding. Patients should be cautioned against the combined use of these medications and should seek medical advice to determine the appropriateness of aspirin in their treatment regimen.

Diabetes, Gout, or Arthritis Medications Patients taking prescription medications for diabetes, gout, or arthritis should consult their healthcare provider before using aspirin. This is essential to ensure that there are no contraindications or necessary adjustments in their current medication plan.

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 children and teenagers, should not use this product if they have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms. In the event of behavioral changes accompanied by nausea and vomiting during use, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional, as these may indicate the onset of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition.

For dosing, children under 12 years of age should seek medical advice before use. For those aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 1 to 2 tablets every 4 hours, with a maximum limit of 12 tablets within a 24-hour period.

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 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

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 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. Healthcare professionals should advise patients or caregivers to call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.

Prompt intervention is crucial in managing overdose situations, as timely medical help can significantly influence outcomes. Symptoms of overdose may vary depending on the substance involved and the individual’s health status. Therefore, a thorough assessment and monitoring of the patient are essential.

Management procedures may include supportive care, symptomatic treatment, and specific antidotes if applicable. Healthcare providers should remain vigilant and prepared to implement appropriate interventions based on the clinical presentation of the patient.

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 details regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology provided in the current information.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions associated with the use of aspirin. Reports indicate occurrences of gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly in patients with a history of ulcers or those concurrently using anticoagulants. Additionally, there have been rare instances of severe allergic reactions, including hives, facial swelling, and anaphylaxis.

Cases of Reye's syndrome have been documented in children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms after taking aspirin. Postmarketing surveillance has also noted that some patients may experience exacerbation of asthma following aspirin use. Furthermore, there have been reports of liver and kidney damage linked to prolonged use of aspirin, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions. Other serious skin reactions have also been reported.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep the 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 the 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 requires 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 fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, 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 a doctor before use 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 consult a healthcare professional before using the medication.

Lastly, patients should be encouraged to ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if they are currently taking prescription medications for diabetes, gout, or arthritis to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

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 details.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a healthcare professional prior to use. It is particularly crucial to avoid aspirin during the last trimester of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a physician, as it may pose risks to the unborn child or lead to complications during delivery.

No additional information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experience.

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)