Aspirin 325mg Tablets

Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes by acetylation, leading to decreased synthesis of prostaglandins, thromboxane A2 (TXA2), and prostacyclin. This results in anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, and antiplatelet effects. Its antiplatelet effect is due to irreversible inhibition of COX-1 in platelets, preventing TXA2 synthesis, which is a potent inducer of 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, 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, including:
+ 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 increase in size
+ Uncontrollable bleeding
Signs of kidney problems, such as:
+ Inability to urinate
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden weight gain
Signs of liver problems, including:
+ 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), including:
+ 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
Trouble 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

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:

Stomach pain or heartburn
Upset stomach 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 treatment:

Allergies: If you are allergic to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, including foods and drugs. Describe your allergic reactions and symptoms.
Medical Conditions: If you have any of the following health issues:
+ Asthma
+ Bleeding problems
+ Nose polyps or nose irritation
+ Kidney disease or liver disease
+ Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or ulcer disease
Medications: If you are taking:
+ Another medication containing the same active ingredient
+ Any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
+ If you are pregnant, plan 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
* Pediatric Considerations:
+ 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.

This is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. It is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure safe treatment. Never start, stop, or change the dosage 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, do not exceed the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Taking more than the recommended amount can increase your chances of experiencing adverse effects. 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 stop taking it without first consulting the doctor who prescribed it for you. Stopping the medication abruptly can have unintended consequences.

As this medication may affect your blood's ability to clot, you may be more prone to bleeding. To reduce the risk of injury, be careful and take precautions such as using a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.

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, including ulcers or bleeding. This risk is higher in older adults, particularly those who have a history of stomach or bowel ulcers or bleeding. In some cases, these problems can occur without warning signs.

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 ensure your safe treatment.

• Methotrexate (high dose, >15 mg/week)
• Ketorolac (concurrent use with other NSAIDs)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin, DOACs) - increased bleeding risk
• Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen) - increased GI toxicity, reduced antiplatelet effect of aspirin
• SSRIs/SNRIs - increased bleeding risk
• Corticosteroids - increased GI ulceration/bleeding risk
• Alcohol - increased GI bleeding risk
• Sulfonylureas - enhanced hypoglycemic effect
• Valproic acid - increased valproic acid levels

• ACE inhibitors/ARBs - reduced antihypertensive effect, increased risk of renal impairment
• Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Thiazides) - reduced diuretic/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
• Activated charcoal - reduces aspirin absorption

• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Black, tarry stools (melena)
• Vomiting blood or coffee-ground like material (hematemesis)
• Severe stomach pain
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Hearing loss
• Dizziness
• Nausea/vomiting
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Swelling of ankles or feet
• Changes in urine output

Generally avoided, especially in the third trimester. Aspirin is classified as Pregnancy Category D, indicating positive evidence of human fetal risk. Low-dose aspirin may be used in specific high-risk pregnancies under strict medical supervision.

Aspirin is excreted into breast milk. While low doses may pose minimal risk, 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). L3 (Moderate Risk). Consider alternative analgesics.

Generally contraindicated in children and teenagers (under 16-18 years old) with viral infections (e.g., influenza, chickenpox) due to the strong association with Reye's Syndrome, a rare but severe and potentially fatal condition affecting the brain and liver. Exceptions include specific conditions like Kawasaki disease or rheumatic fever, where aspirin is used under strict medical supervision.

Use with caution in elderly patients due to increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and other adverse effects. Start with lower doses and monitor closely for adverse reactions, especially GI and renal toxicity.

• Aspirin's antiplatelet effect is irreversible and lasts for the lifetime of the platelet (7-10 days), meaning its antiplatelet effect persists even after the drug is cleared from the body.
• For acute coronary syndromes, aspirin should be chewed for faster absorption and onset of action.
• Patients on chronic low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular protection should be advised against taking ibuprofen shortly before or after aspirin, as ibuprofen can interfere with aspirin's antiplatelet effect.
• Enteric-coated aspirin may reduce GI upset but can have delayed and variable absorption, making it less suitable for acute antiplatelet needs.
• Salicylate toxicity (salicylism) can occur with chronic high doses or acute overdose, presenting with tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and hyperventilation.

• For pain/fever: Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Naproxen
• For antiplatelet: Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor, Prasugrel (for specific indications)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. 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 it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.