Aspirin 81mg Chewable Tablets

Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes by acetylation, leading to decreased synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane A2 (TXA2). In platelets, irreversible inhibition of COX-1 prevents TXA2 formation, which is a potent inducer of platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction. This antiplatelet effect lasts for the lifetime of the platelet (7-10 days). At higher doses, it also has analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects.

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 immediate medical attention:

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, difficulty 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 significant weight gain.
Signs of liver problems: dark urine, fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach upset or pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or 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, upset stomach, vomiting, excessive sleepiness, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue or weakness.
Sudden 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.
Feeling agitated.
Seizures.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones. If you are bothered by any of the following side effects or if they persist, 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:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. 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.

Interactions with Other Medications and Health Conditions:

This is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. 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 conditions you have. Verify that it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Do not 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 its use without first consulting the doctor who prescribed it for you. This medication may increase your risk of bleeding, so it is essential to be cautious and avoid injuries. To reduce the risk of bleeding, use 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, such as ulcers or bleeding. This risk is higher in older adults and individuals 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 closely monitor your condition to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

• Ketorolac (increased risk of GI bleeding)
• Methotrexate (high-dose, increased methotrexate toxicity)
• Live attenuated influenza vaccine (intranasal) in children/adolescents (Reye's Syndrome risk)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin, DOACs - increased bleeding risk)
• Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen - increased GI bleeding risk, may antagonize antiplatelet effect of aspirin)
• Corticosteroids (increased GI bleeding risk)
• SSRIs/SNRIs (increased bleeding risk)
• Alcohol (increased GI bleeding risk)
• Uricosurics (e.g., Probenecid, Sulfinpyrazone - decreased uricosuric effect)
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors / Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) / Diuretics (attenuated antihypertensive effect, increased risk of renal impairment)
• Valproic acid (increased valproic acid levels)

• Sulfonylureas (increased hypoglycemic effect)
• Phenytoin (increased phenytoin levels)
• Spironolactone (decreased diuretic effect)
• Antacids (may increase urinary excretion of salicylates, decreasing aspirin levels)
• Herbal supplements (e.g., Ginkgo biloba, Garlic, Ginger - increased bleeding risk)

• Not available

• Unusual bruising or bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, bleeding gums)
• Black, tarry stools (melena)
• Vomiting blood or coffee-ground like material (hematemesis)
• Severe stomach pain or heartburn
• Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss (signs of salicylism)
• Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion (signs of overdose)

Generally avoided in the third trimester due to potential for premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, pulmonary hypertension, and increased maternal/fetal bleeding risk. Low-dose aspirin (81 mg) may be used in specific high-risk pregnancies (e.g., preeclampsia prevention) under strict medical supervision, typically initiated in the first trimester and discontinued before the third.

Aspirin and its metabolite, salicylic acid, are excreted into breast milk. While low-dose aspirin (81 mg) is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding by some experts due to low infant exposure, caution is advised, especially in premature infants or those with underlying conditions. Monitor infant for adverse effects (e.g., bleeding, rash). Avoid chronic high-dose use.

Contraindicated in children and teenagers for viral infections (e.g., influenza, chickenpox) due to the risk of Reye's Syndrome, a rare but serious condition causing liver and brain damage. Low-dose aspirin is rarely used in pediatrics, except for specific conditions like Kawasaki disease or certain cardiac conditions, 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 the lowest effective dose and monitor closely for adverse reactions, especially GI and renal effects.

• Aspirin 81mg is primarily used for its antiplatelet effect to prevent cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) and is often referred to as 'baby aspirin' or 'low-dose aspirin'.
• Chewable aspirin is preferred in acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) for rapid absorption and antiplatelet effect.
• Always inquire about concurrent use of other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) as they can interfere with aspirin's antiplatelet effect and increase GI bleeding risk.
• Patients should be educated on signs of bleeding (e.g., black stools, easy bruising) and advised to seek immediate medical attention if they occur.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers may be co-prescribed in patients at high risk of GI bleeding.
• Counsel patients to avoid aspirin in children and teenagers with viral illnesses due to the risk of Reye's Syndrome.
• Discontinuation of aspirin before surgery should be discussed with the prescribing physician, as the risk of stopping aspirin may outweigh the bleeding risk for some procedures.

• Clopidogrel (Plavix - another antiplatelet agent, often used when aspirin is contraindicated or not tolerated)
• Prasugrel (Effient - antiplatelet, stronger than clopidogrel)
• Ticagrelor (Brilinta - antiplatelet, stronger than clopidogrel)
• NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen - for pain/inflammation, but lack antiplatelet effect of aspirin at low doses)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol - for pain/fever, no anti-inflammatory or antiplatelet effect)

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.