Aspirin Medicine - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Aspirin is in a class of drugs called salicylates. It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. In fact, of the 80 million aspirin tablets Americans take each day, most are taken not for everyday aches and pains but to reduce the risk of heart disease, according to aspirin manufacturer Bayer Corp.

Aspirin Dosage

Adults and Children 12 years and over: One or two tablets/caplets with water. May be repeated every four hours as necessary up to 12 tablets/caplets a day or as directed by a doctor. Do not give to children under 12 unless directed by a doctor.

Uses of Aspirin

*Aspirin works, like the other NSAIDs, to reduce inflammation and pain, by affecting the prostaglandins. It also makes some small particles in the blood, known as platelets, less sticky, which makes the blood less likely to form blood clots in narrowed blood vessels.
*Aspirin is also used to treat and/or prevent heart attacks, transient ischemic attacks, strokes, and angina in certain individuals. Taking an aspirin every day may stop asthma from developing in adults, according to new research.
*Aspirin is also used for rapid relief of mild to moderate pain and fever. Because aspirin inhibits the action of blood clotting element, it is used to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke and near-stroke.

Side Effects of Aspirin

Before taken Aspirin medicine, you should discuss the side effects with your doctor. If any develop or change in intensity, then you should inform your doctor as soon as possible.

* an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
* black, bloody, or tarry stools;
* nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain;
* uncontrolled fever;
* blood in the urine or vomit;
* decreased hearing or ringing in the ears;
* seizures; or
* Dizziness, confusion, or hallucinations.

If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue to take aspirin and contact your doctor:

* heartburn or indigestion; or
* Faint ringing in the ears.

Warnings and precautions before taking Aspirin:

*If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking aspirin.
*If you drink three or more alcoholic drinks every day, ask your doctor if you should take aspirin or other medications for pain and fever.
*If you are taking aspirin on a regular basis to prevent heart attack or stroke, do not take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to treat pain or fever without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably tell you to allow some time to pass between taking your daily dose of aspirin and taking a dose of ibuprofen.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking Aspirin with certain other drugs, then the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Aspirin with the following:

*Acetazolamide
*Blood thinners
*Certain diuretics
*Diabetes medications
*Insulin
*Steroids such as prednisone

Overdose

At dosages of 1,000 milligrams or higher of aspirin per day, gastrointestinal side effects include stomach pain, heartburn, nausea and/or vomiting, as well as increased rates of gross gastrointestinal bleeding.

Alien writes for prescription drugs. He also writes for cymbalta side effects and stress symptoms .

Article Source: http://www.wellnessarticlelibrary.com

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