Aspirin 325mg EC Tablets

Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes by acetylation, leading to decreased synthesis of prostaglandins, prostacyclin, and thromboxane A2 (TXA2). This results in anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, and antiplatelet effects. The antiplatelet effect is due to irreversible inhibition of COX-1 in platelets, preventing TXA2 synthesis, which is crucial for platelet aggregation.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

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 medical attention immediately:

Signs of an allergic reaction: 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, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of bleeding: 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, or uncontrolled bleeding.
Signs of kidney problems: inability to urinate, changes in urine output, blood in the urine, or sudden weight gain.
Signs of liver problems: dark urine, fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach upset or pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin and eyes.
Signs of high potassium levels: irregular heartbeat, confusion, weakness, lightheadedness, dizziness, feeling faint, numbness or tingling, or shortness of breath.
Signs of acidosis (too much acid in the blood): confusion, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, excessive sleepiness, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue or weakness.
Weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or thinking, balance changes, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred vision.
Severe dizziness or fainting.
Severe headache.
Ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or other changes in hearing.
Agitation.
Seizures.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor for guidance:

Stomach pain or heartburn.
Nausea or vomiting.

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe use of this medication:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this drug, its components, or other substances, such as foods or medications. Describe the allergic reactions you have experienced.
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 ages.
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 you have. This will help ensure your safety while taking this medication. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are taking this drug for an extended period, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your condition.

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 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 toothbrush and an electric razor to reduce the risk of bleeding.

Before consuming alcohol, discuss the potential risks with your doctor. If you smoke, you should also talk to 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, such as ulcers or bleeding. This risk is higher in older adults, particularly those with 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 closely monitor your condition to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

• Methotrexate (high-dose): Increased methotrexate toxicity.
• Ketorolac (and other NSAIDs with high bleeding risk): Increased risk of GI bleeding/ulceration.
• Live attenuated influenza vaccine (intranasal): Risk of Reye's Syndrome in children/adolescents.

• Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin, DOACs): Increased risk of bleeding.
• Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen): Increased risk of GI bleeding/ulceration, may reduce aspirin's antiplatelet effect.
• Corticosteroids: Increased risk of GI ulceration and bleeding.
• SSRIs/SNRIs: Increased risk of GI bleeding.
• Antiplatelet agents (e.g., Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor): Increased risk of bleeding.
• Sulfonylureas (e.g., Glipizide, Glyburide): Enhanced hypoglycemic effect.
• Valproic acid: Increased valproic acid levels and toxicity.

• ACE inhibitors/ARBs: Reduced antihypertensive effect, increased risk of renal impairment.
• Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide): Reduced diuretic and antihypertensive effect.
• Beta-blockers: Reduced antihypertensive effect.
• Probenecid/Sulfinpyrazone: Reduced uricosuric effect.
• Phenytoin: Increased phenytoin levels.
• Spironolactone: Reduced diuretic effect.

• Antacids: May decrease aspirin absorption (for non-EC forms) or increase urinary excretion of salicylates.
• Activated charcoal: Reduces aspirin absorption if given shortly after overdose.

• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Black, tarry stools or blood in vomit (signs of GI bleeding)
• Severe stomach pain or heartburn
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Hearing loss
• Dizziness or confusion
• Rapid breathing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rash or hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (signs of allergic reaction)

Generally avoided, especially in the third trimester. Category C in 1st and 2nd trimesters (animal studies show adverse effects, no adequate human studies). Category D in 3rd trimester (positive evidence of human fetal risk). May cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, fetal renal dysfunction, and increased maternal/fetal bleeding.

Aspirin and its metabolite, salicylic acid, are excreted into breast milk. Low doses (e.g., 81 mg daily) are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but higher 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). Monitor infant for unusual bruising or bleeding.

Contraindicated in children and adolescents (under 16-18 years old, depending on guidelines) with viral infections (e.g., influenza, chickenpox) due to the risk of Reye's Syndrome, a rare but severe and potentially fatal condition affecting the brain and liver. Use in children for specific conditions (e.g., Kawasaki disease, rheumatic fever) should only be under strict medical supervision.

Increased risk of adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding and renal impairment, due to age-related physiological changes (e.g., decreased renal function, increased comorbidity, polypharmacy). Use lowest effective dose and monitor closely.

• Enteric-coated aspirin is designed to reduce GI irritation but has a delayed onset of action compared to plain aspirin. It should not be used for acute pain relief where rapid onset is needed (e.g., acute myocardial infarction).
• Patients should be advised to swallow enteric-coated tablets whole and not to crush, chew, or break them, as this would destroy the enteric coating and increase GI irritation.
• The antiplatelet effect of aspirin is irreversible and lasts for the lifetime of the platelet (7-10 days). Therefore, aspirin should typically be discontinued 5-7 days prior to elective surgery to minimize bleeding risk.
• Educate patients on the signs of bleeding (e.g., black, tarry stools; coffee-ground vomit; unusual bruising) and to seek immediate medical attention if they occur.
• Aspirin should be avoided in children and adolescents with suspected viral infections due to the risk of Reye's Syndrome.

• Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen) for pain/inflammation (note: may interact with aspirin's antiplatelet effect).
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain/fever (no anti-inflammatory or antiplatelet effects).
• Other antiplatelet agents (e.g., Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor) for cardiovascular prevention (different mechanisms).
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers may be co-prescribed with aspirin in high-risk patients to reduce GI bleeding risk.

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.