Aspirin 81mg EC Low Dosetablets

Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes by acetylation. In platelets, this prevents 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 exerts analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.

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, such as:
+ Rash or hives
+ Itching or red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing or 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, 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 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, including:
+ Dark urine
+ Fatigue
+ Decreased appetite
+ Upset stomach or stomach pain
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
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
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

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:

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 reaction you experienced, including the 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 advises 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 all 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, it is also important to 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 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.

• Ketorolac (and other NSAIDs in patients with active peptic ulcer disease or bleeding disorders)
• Methotrexate (high-dose, >15 mg/week, due to increased methotrexate toxicity)
• Live attenuated influenza vaccine (intranasal) in children/adolescents (due to Reye's syndrome risk)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, Edoxaban) - increased risk of bleeding
• Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen) - increased risk of GI bleeding and ulceration, may interfere with aspirin's antiplatelet effect
• Corticosteroids (systemic) - increased risk of GI bleeding and ulceration
• SSRIs/SNRIs (e.g., Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Venlafaxine) - increased risk of GI bleeding
• Alcohol - increased risk of GI bleeding

• ACE inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril, Enalapril) - reduced antihypertensive effect, increased risk of renal impairment
• Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (e.g., Valsartan, Losartan) - reduced antihypertensive effect, increased risk of renal impairment
• Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide) - reduced diuretic and antihypertensive effect, increased risk of renal impairment
• Sulfonylureas (e.g., Glipizide, Glyburide) - increased hypoglycemic effect
• Valproic acid - increased valproic acid levels
• Uricosurics (e.g., Probenecid) - reduced uricosuric effect
• Spironolactone - reduced diuretic effect
• Phenytoin - increased phenytoin levels

• Antacids - may reduce aspirin absorption (separate administration)
• Herbal supplements (e.g., Ginkgo biloba, Garlic, Ginger) - potential increased bleeding risk

• Unusual bleeding or bruising (e.g., nosebleeds, bleeding gums, petechiae, purpura)
• Black, tarry stools (melena)
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds (hematemesis)
• Severe or persistent stomach pain
• Signs of allergic reaction (e.g., rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing)
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or hearing loss (signs of salicylism, more common at higher doses)
• Dizziness or confusion

Avoid in the third trimester due to potential for premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, prolonged labor, and increased maternal/fetal bleeding. Use in the first and second trimesters only if clearly needed and the potential benefit outweighs the risk, typically for specific indications like preeclampsia prophylaxis under medical supervision.

Aspirin and its metabolite, salicylic acid, are excreted into breast milk. Low-dose aspirin is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but caution is advised. Monitor the infant for signs of bleeding (e.g., bruising, petechiae) or other adverse effects.

Generally contraindicated for fever or pain in children and adolescents due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition. Specific indications (e.g., Kawasaki disease, post-cardiac surgery, certain rheumatologic conditions) may warrant low-dose aspirin use under strict specialist supervision, where the benefits outweigh the risks.

Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and other adverse effects compared to younger adults. Use with caution, monitor for adverse effects, and consider lower doses or alternative therapies if appropriate. Concomitant use of other medications that increase bleeding risk is common in this population.

• Enteric-coated (EC) aspirin is designed to reduce gastrointestinal irritation but does not eliminate the risk of GI bleeding or ulcers. The antiplatelet effect is delayed compared to chewable or plain aspirin.
• The antiplatelet effect of aspirin is irreversible and lasts for the lifetime of the platelet (7-10 days). Patients should typically discontinue aspirin 5-7 days prior to elective surgery to minimize bleeding risk, as advised by their surgeon.
• Aspirin resistance, where patients do not achieve adequate platelet inhibition, can occur. This may be due to non-adherence, drug interactions (e.g., ibuprofen), or genetic factors.
• Low-dose aspirin is primarily used for its antiplatelet effect in cardiovascular disease prevention, not for pain or fever.
• Patients should be educated on the signs of bleeding and the importance of not taking other NSAIDs concurrently without consulting a healthcare professional.

• P2Y12 inhibitors (e.g., Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor, Prasugrel) - alternative antiplatelet agents, often used in combination with aspirin or as monotherapy if aspirin is contraindicated/not tolerated.
• Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen) - for pain/inflammation, but do not have the same irreversible antiplatelet effect and may interfere with aspirin's antiplatelet action if taken concurrently.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, DOACs) - for prevention of thromboembolic events in specific conditions (e.g., atrial fibrillation), but have a different mechanism of action and higher bleeding risk than low-dose aspirin.

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.