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Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug also known as acetylsalicylic acid. It is being used to treat Kawasaki disease, blood clots, strokes and heart disease, pericarditis, fever, inflammation and is also being used as an alternative drug of choice for headaches. The formula of Aspirin is C9H8O4. In many cases, it is being used to thin the blood such as bypass surgery, coronary stents and carotid endarterectomy. Brand name of Aspirin includes Bayer’s Aspirin, Loprin, Ascard, Disprin and Ascriptin etc.
Before using Aspirin just follow the directions on the leaflet. If you have any questions regarding aspirin ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Aspirin by mouth and drink a full glass of water. Aspirin is mostly enteric-coated except Disprin, therefore do not crush or chew the tablet.
Dose
| Disease | Age | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Pain and Fever | Above 18 years | 75-325mg orally every 6 hours |
| Pain and Fever | Below 12 years | 10-15mg/kg orally every 6 hours |
| Acute coronary syndrome | Above 18 years | 75-325mg orally every 6 hours |
| Transient and ischemic strokes | Above 18 years | 50-325mg orally every 12 hours |
| Osteoarthritis | Above 18 years | Up to 3g/day orally |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | Above 18 years | 3g/day orally |
| spondyloarthropathy | Above 18 years | 3-6g/day orally |
Overdose
Salicylate poisoning is associated with plasma concentrations >350mg/L (2.5mmol/L). According to clinical data most adult deaths occur in patients whose concentrations exceed 700mg/L (5.1mmol/L). While on the other hand single doses less than 100mg/kg are unlikely to cause serious poisoning.
Side Effects of Aspirin 81mg
Side effects of aspirin are generally mild and infrequent
Blood and the Lymphatic System Disorders: Aspirin actually prolongs bleeding time and also decreases platelet adhesiveness. In over-dosage aspirin can cause hypoprothrombinaemia and thrombocytopenia have been observed. Secondly, it also causes bleeding disorders like epistaxis, purpura, haematuria, ecchymoses, gastrointestinal bleeding, haematoma, haemoptysis and cerebral haemorrhage have been observed.
If you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency: do not use Aspirin, because it can cause haemolytic anaemia.
Immune System disorder: In the immune system, disorder aspirin can cause skin rashes, asthma, rhinitis, angioedema, urticaria and in rare cases it also causes anaphylaxis.
Renal and Urinary Disorders: It may also cause urate kidney stones.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: You may find skin reactions in susceptible patients.
Ear and Labyrinth Disorder: Aspirin can cause tinnitus as well
Contraindications
Patients who are hypersensitive to aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is contraindicated in patients like appendicitis, dehydration, asthma, and chronic diarrhoea etc.
Pregnancy and lactation
You can use aspirin in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. There is no adequate research done on humans but animal studies show risk in pregnancy. Therefore consult your physician before taking aspirin in pregnancy and lactation.