Aspirin 81mg EC Low Dose Tablets

Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. At low doses (e.g., 81 mg), it primarily inhibits COX-1 in platelets, preventing the synthesis of thromboxane A2 (TXA2), a potent inducer of platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction. This antiplatelet effect is sustained for the lifetime of the platelet (7-10 days). At higher doses, it also inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, leading to 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 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, 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 experience no side effects or only mild 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, 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.

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 its potential effects with your doctor. If you smoke, it is also important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks.

This medication 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, >15 mg/week, increased methotrexate toxicity)
• Live attenuated influenza vaccine (intranasal, in children/adolescents due to Reye's syndrome risk)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin, DOACs - increased bleeding risk)
• Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen - increased GI bleeding risk, may reduce aspirin's antiplatelet effect)
• Corticosteroids (systemic - increased GI ulceration and bleeding risk)
• SSRIs/SNRIs (increased bleeding risk, especially GI)
• Alcohol (increased GI bleeding risk)
• Sulfonylureas (increased hypoglycemic effect)
• Valproic acid (increased valproic acid levels)

• ACE inhibitors/ARBs (reduced antihypertensive effect, increased risk of renal impairment)
• Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide - reduced diuretic and antihypertensive effect)
• Probenecid/Sulfinpyrazone (reduced uricosuric effect of these agents)
• Spironolactone (reduced diuretic effect)
• Phenytoin (increased phenytoin levels)
• Thyroid hormones (may displace from protein binding, leading to transient increase in free hormone)

• Antacids (may increase urinary excretion of salicylate, reducing levels)
• 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 or confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained fever

Generally avoided in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. Low-dose aspirin may be used in specific high-risk obstetric conditions (e.g., preeclampsia prevention) under strict medical supervision.

Aspirin and its metabolite, salicylate, are excreted into breast milk. Low-dose aspirin (e.g., 81 mg) is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but caution is advised, especially for prolonged use or in infants with underlying conditions (e.g., G6PD deficiency). Monitor infant for signs of adverse effects (e.g., bleeding, rash).

Contraindicated for use in children and teenagers (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 condition affecting the brain and liver. Use in pediatric populations is generally limited to specific conditions like Kawasaki disease or juvenile idiopathic arthritis, under strict medical supervision.

Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and renal impairment. Use with caution, monitor for adverse effects, and consider lower doses if appropriate. Polypharmacy in the elderly also increases the risk of drug interactions.

• Enteric-coated aspirin is designed to reduce GI upset but may have delayed onset of antiplatelet effect compared to non-EC aspirin. Do not crush or chew EC tablets.
• Aspirin's antiplatelet effect is irreversible and lasts for the lifetime of the platelet (7-10 days). This is important for surgical planning (often held 5-7 days prior).
• Low-dose aspirin (81 mg) is primarily used for its antiplatelet effects in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease prevention, not for pain or fever.
• Counsel patients on the signs of bleeding and the importance of reporting them immediately.
• Always inquire about concomitant use of other NSAIDs, anticoagulants, or SSRIs, as these significantly increase bleeding risk.
• Reye's syndrome is a critical contraindication for aspirin use in children and adolescents with viral illnesses.

• Clopidogrel (Plavix) - another antiplatelet agent, often used as an alternative or in combination with aspirin.
• Ticagrelor (Brilinta) - another antiplatelet agent.
• Prasugrel (Effient) - another antiplatelet agent.
• Dipyridamole (often combined with aspirin as Aggrenox) - for stroke prevention.

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.