Aspirin 300mg Suppositories 12's
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication effectively, follow your doctor's instructions and read all accompanying information carefully. When using the suppository, insert it rectally. If the suppository is soft, you can chill it in the refrigerator or run it under cold water to firm it up. To insert, remove the foil wrapper, wet the suppository with cold water, and use your finger to gently push it well into the rectum.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store the suppositories in the refrigerator, but do not freeze them. Check the suppositories regularly and do not use them if they have a strong vinegar smell. Keep all medications in a safe and secure location, out of the reach of children and pets. When disposing of unused or expired medications, do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist. Instead, check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method or inquire about potential drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication on a regular schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, follow your doctor's instructions and do not take it more frequently than recommended.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Avoid alcohol while taking aspirin, as it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
- Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking aspirin before any surgery or dental procedures, as it can affect blood clotting.
- Do not take other NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) or other aspirin-containing products without consulting your doctor, as this increases the risk of side effects.
- Stay hydrated, especially if you have fever or are elderly.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of bleeding, such as:
+ Vomiting or coughing up blood
+ Vomit that resembles coffee grounds
+ Blood in the urine
+ Black, red, or tarry stools
+ Bleeding from the gums
+ Abnormal vaginal bleeding
+ Unexplained bruises or bruises that enlarge
+ Uncontrollable bleeding
Signs of kidney problems, such as:
+ Inability to urinate
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden significant weight gain
Signs of liver problems, such as:
+ Dark urine
+ Fatigue
+ Decreased appetite
+ Upset stomach or stomach pain
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes
Signs of high potassium levels, such as:
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Weakness, lightheadedness, or dizziness
+ Feeling faint
+ Numbness or tingling
+ Shortness of breath
Signs of acidosis (too much acid in the blood), such as:
+ Confusion
+ Rapid breathing
+ Rapid heartbeat
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Severe stomach pain, upset stomach, or vomiting
+ Excessive sleepiness
+ Shortness of breath
+ Feeling extremely tired or weak
Weakness on one side of the body
Difficulty speaking or thinking
Changes in balance
Drooping on one side of the face
Blurred vision
Severe dizziness or fainting
Severe headache
Ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or other changes in hearing
Feeling agitated
Seizures
Rectal bleeding or rectal pain
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or may only have mild side effects. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help:
Rectal irritation
This is not an exhaustive list of all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Any signs of bleeding, such as black, tarry stools; vomiting blood; or unusual bruising/bleeding.
- Severe stomach pain or persistent indigestion.
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing changes, which can be a sign of too much aspirin.
- Unexplained swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or persistent nausea/vomiting, which could indicate liver problems.
- Difficulty breathing or severe allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling of face/throat).
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Asthma
+ Bleeding problems
+ Nose polyps or nose irritation
+ Kidney disease or liver disease
+ Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or ulcer disease
If you are taking another medication that contains the same active ingredient as this drug.
If you are taking any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or become pregnant while taking this medication. This drug may harm an unborn baby if taken after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Only take this medication after 20 weeks of pregnancy if your doctor has instructed you to do so.
If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Special Considerations for Children:
If the patient is a child, as this medication may not be suitable for all age groups.
If your child or teenager has or is recovering from flu symptoms, chickenpox, or other viral infections. The risk of Reye's syndrome, a severe condition, may be increased. Do not give this medication to a child or teenager with a viral infection or who is recovering from one.
Additional Important Information:
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems. This will help ensure your safety while taking this medication. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
To minimize the risk of severe side effects, it is crucial to adhere to the prescribed dosage and not exceed the recommended amount. Additionally, do not take this medication for longer than the duration specified by your doctor.
If you are taking this drug on a regular basis, do not discontinue use without first consulting the doctor who prescribed it for you. This medication may increase your risk of bleeding, so it is essential to take precautions to avoid injury. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and an electric razor to minimize the risk of bleeding.
Before consuming alcohol, discuss the potential risks with your doctor. If you smoke, it is also important to talk with your doctor about the potential interactions between smoking and this medication.
This drug may increase the risk of severe and potentially life-threatening stomach or bowel problems, including ulcers or bleeding. This risk is higher in older adults, particularly those who have a history of stomach or bowel ulcers or bleeding. These complications can occur without warning signs, so it is essential to be aware of the potential risks.
If you are over 60 years old, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects. Your doctor will carefully weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Mild overdose (salicylism): Tinnitus (ringing in ears), dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, hyperventilation, sweating, thirst.
- Severe overdose: Confusion, delirium, seizures, coma, severe hyperthermia, metabolic acidosis, respiratory depression, cardiovascular collapse, severe bleeding.
What to Do:
Immediately seek emergency medical attention or call a poison control center (e.g., 1-800-222-1222). Treatment may involve activated charcoal (if oral ingestion), gastric lavage, intravenous fluids, correction of electrolyte imbalances, urinary alkalinization to enhance excretion, and in severe cases, hemodialysis.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Methotrexate (high-dose, >15 mg/week): Increased methotrexate toxicity due to displacement from protein binding and reduced renal clearance.
- Ketorolac (other NSAIDs): Increased risk of GI bleeding and renal impairment.
- Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) in children/adolescents: Risk of Reye's Syndrome if aspirin is given within 4 weeks of vaccination.
Major Interactions
- Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban): Increased risk of bleeding.
- Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Celecoxib): Increased risk of GI bleeding, ulceration, and renal impairment. Ibuprofen may interfere with aspirin's antiplatelet effect.
- Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone): Increased risk of GI ulceration and bleeding. May also reduce salicylate levels.
- SSRIs/SNRIs (e.g., Fluoxetine, Sertraline): Increased risk of GI bleeding.
- Alcohol: Increased risk of GI bleeding.
- Sulfonylureas (e.g., Glyburide): Enhanced hypoglycemic effect.
- Valproic acid: Increased valproic acid levels due to protein binding displacement.
- Spironolactone, Furosemide (Diuretics): Reduced diuretic and antihypertensive effects; increased risk of renal impairment.
- ACE inhibitors/ARBs: Reduced antihypertensive effect; increased risk of renal impairment and hyperkalemia.
Moderate Interactions
- Antacids/Urinary alkalinizers: Increased renal excretion of salicylates, potentially reducing efficacy.
- Probenecid, Sulfinpyrazone: Reduced uricosuric effect.
- Phenytoin: Increased phenytoin levels.
- Thyroid hormones: Aspirin may displace thyroid hormones from protein binding.
Minor Interactions
- Not available
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To assess baseline hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count, especially before long-term use or in patients at risk of bleeding.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy, especially if long-term or high-dose.
Rationale: To assess baseline kidney function, as aspirin can impair renal function, especially in susceptible individuals.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy, especially in elderly or those with pre-existing renal impairment.
Rationale: To assess baseline liver function, as aspirin can cause hepatotoxicity.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy, especially in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Daily, patient education on self-monitoring.
Target: Absence of symptoms.
Action Threshold: Immediately discontinue aspirin and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months) for long-term use or in patients with risk factors for renal impairment.
Target: Within normal limits or stable from baseline.
Action Threshold: Significant increase in BUN/Creatinine or decrease in eGFR warrants dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months) for long-term use or in patients with risk factors for hepatic impairment.
Target: Within normal limits or stable from baseline.
Action Threshold: Significant elevation warrants dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Frequency: Daily, patient education on self-monitoring.
Target: Absence of symptoms.
Action Threshold: Reduce dose or discontinue if symptoms occur.
Symptom Monitoring
- Gastrointestinal upset (heartburn, nausea, indigestion)
- Abdominal pain
- Black, tarry stools (melena)
- Vomiting blood (hematemesis)
- Unusual bruising or bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, gum bleeding)
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Hearing loss
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
- Rash or itching
- Swelling (edema)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally avoided, especially in the third trimester. Category D in the third trimester due to potential for premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, and inhibition of labor. Use in early pregnancy should only be if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Aspirin and its metabolite, salicylic acid, are excreted into breast milk. Low doses (e.g., 75-150 mg/day) are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but caution is advised. High doses or chronic use should be avoided due to potential for adverse effects in the infant (e.g., metabolic acidosis, bleeding, Reye's Syndrome risk if infant has viral illness).
Pediatric Use
Contraindicated for fever or viral illness in children and teenagers due to the risk of Reye's Syndrome. Use for specific conditions (e.g., Kawasaki disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis) is highly specialized and requires strict medical supervision.
Geriatric Use
Increased risk of adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and fluid retention. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. Monitor renal function and for signs of GI bleeding.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Aspirin suppositories are useful for patients who cannot tolerate oral medications due to nausea, vomiting, or dysphagia.
- Rectal absorption of aspirin can be variable and slower than oral, leading to less predictable plasma levels.
- Always counsel patients and caregivers about the risk of Reye's Syndrome when considering aspirin for children or teenagers, especially during viral illnesses.
- Be vigilant for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in elderly patients or those with a history of ulcers.
- Tinnitus is a common early sign of salicylate toxicity (salicylism) and warrants dose reduction or discontinuation.
- Aspirin's antiplatelet effect is irreversible and lasts for the lifetime of the platelet (7-10 days), which is important to consider before surgery.
Alternative Therapies
- Acetaminophen (for pain and fever, no anti-inflammatory or antiplatelet effect, generally safer for children with viral illness).
- Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen - for pain, fever, inflammation; reversible COX inhibition, generally not recommended for children with viral illness).
- Opioid analgesics (for severe pain, different mechanism of action, higher risk of dependence and side effects).