Aspirin Uses, Dosages, and Potential Side Effects

Aspirin - Acetylsalicylic Acid

This small pill actually packs a pretty good punch when it comes to its medicinal properties. It was originally derived from willow bark and has reportedly been used for over 3500 years for medicinal purposes.

Other Names: ASA, acetylsalicylate, salicylic acid, salicylate (Brand names: see below)

Aspirin

Common Uses of Aspirin

General: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, blood thinner

Respiratory: Colds, sore throat

Cardiovascular: BLOOD THINNER: Helps decrease cardiac events (heart attacks) by decreasing clotting

GI: Toothaches

Musculoskeletal: Muscle and joint aching, arthritis, inflammation

Cancer: Reduces risk of bowel, stomach and esophageal cancer (1)

Neuro: Headaches. It also helps decrease the effects of stroke caused by clotting and may delay the onset of Parkinson's (2)

Forms: Tablets, Patches, Rectal Suppositories 

          It is important to note that Aspirin comes in different forms: Enteric coated, buffered and extended release

          Buffered aspirin. (Bufferin), This is a form of aspirin that is mixed with an antacid to minimize an upset stomach caused by the aspirin itself.

          Enteric-coated aspirin. Companies make "enteric-coated" aspirin and claim that the coating protects your stomach from ulcers and bleeding from the acetylsalicylic acid. However, according to many sources, including the Mayo Clinic, this is likely not true. In fact, the coating on aspirin is, may even reduce the absorption of aspirin and make it less effective as an anti-clotting agent.

Herbal Forms: See Willow

Aspirin Dosage depends on what it is being used for and the potential for side effects.

Common doses:

• 325- mg - 650 mg every 4 - 6 hours as needed (max 4 gm/daily) - For pain, fever, and inflammation

• 162 mg - 325 mg once - At the onset of chest pain, if you think you may be having a      heart attack (take aspirin and call 911) - if the aspirin is not easy to find, just call 9-1-1 

• 81mg-325 mg daily - For heart attack prevention (to take or not to take - that is the question): You risk ulcers and bleeding, or hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke if you take it or you can risk having a heart attack, blood clots, embolic stroke if you, do not take it.

• 75-325 mg for TIA (transient ischemic attack)/embolic stroke prevention [stroke caused by a blood clot]) 2.6-5.4 grams daily (divide this dose up) for arthritis. This is a high dose -  Discuss with healthcare provider first.

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Common Aspirin Products

This is an over-the-counter medication with many brand names. The chemical or generic name is acetylsalicylic acid (look for this; it is far less expensive than the brand). However, most people call it by its original brand name, "Aspirin," because it is so much easier to say.

Many common brands of aspirin are as follows:

• Empirin

• Ecotrin

• Sodol

• Anacin

• Aspergum

Common medications that contain aspirin:

• BC Powder

• Soma with codeine

• Lortab

• Different Alka Seltzer Preparations

• Dipyridamole

• Goody's Powder

• Pepto Bismol (contains salicylic acid)

Potential Side Effects and Contraindications to Aspirin

Before a person uses aspirin, it is important to check for any side effects, potential interactions, and the recommended dosages.

Side Effects

Ulcers/bleeding ulcers, heartburn, stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, bruising, kidney problems

Contraindications: 

• Bufferin with certain medications (Fluoroquinolones like Levaquin and Cipro, digoxin, iron, and tetracyclines) may render them less effective.

• Hemorrhagic stroke, head injury (brain bleed - or risk thereof)

• Ulcers

• Kidney problems

• Dengue

• Children and teens under 16 years old

  
  

  EXPLORE THE PROS AND CONS OF ASPIRIN USE FOR PREVENTION-Aspirin Uses and Side Effects

  
  

  Aspirin – To take a daily dose or not to take it. That is the question. This decision is a "risk versus benefits" situation. Note: if your healthcare provider tells you to take aspirin daily (unless you have an ulcer or active bleeding). Your provider knows your history. If, after reading this, you have any questions, discuss them with your medical professional. I know plenty of people who take a baby aspirin, not because their healthcare provider recommends it but because they have heard that "it is good for you". It really depends on your health history and sometimes your family history. Here is a brief breakdown.

  
  

  ​Surprisingly, aspirin does thin your blood - even a tiny 81 mg baby aspirin is quite effective, so you will bleed and bruise more easily. It stays in your system for up to 10 days. some studies suggest that a person may experience temporary rebound (increased) clotting or a temporary increase in platelet aggregation if they suddenly discontinue aspirin.

  Let's look at the risks versus benefits:

  RISKS:

  • Aspirin can make you bleed - Anywhere from the stomach to the brain to the nose- anywhere. It is especially risky for those who have had stomach ulcers and a stroke due to a brain bleed.

  • Asthma-Aspirin can make asthma worse.

  • Excessive alcohol use (more than three drinks/day). Those who use alcohol excessively are at risk for gastrointestinal bleeding if they take aspirin.

  • People 70 years or older (except those with cardiovascular disease) - because older people have more of a tendency to bleed than younger ones do.

  • Taking other NSAIDs like ibuprofen (i.e., Motrin, Advil), Naproxen, Diclofenac), and also oral steroids increases the chance of a gastrointestinal bleed.

  •  Uncontrolled high blood pressure - Aspirin can affect your kidneys adversely. Kidneys help regulate blood pressure.

  • Kidney disease can make it worse.

  • Trauma- Bleeding risk

  • Do not take aspirin if you are taking other blood thinners (e.g., Plavix, Coumadin, Eliquis, Xarelto) unless your healthcare provider advises you to do so.

  • DO NOT GIVE TO KIDS UNDER 16 - (SOME SOURCES RECOMMEND NOT TO GIVE IN THOSE YOUNGER THAN 19 YEARS OLD) - especially in a child with a viral illness. Aspirin can cause Reyes Syndrome - a serious neurological condition.

  ​​​BENEFITS:

  • It has anti-clotting effects and can keep a person from having a clot-related stroke, pulmonary embolus (clot to the lungs), or clot to the heart (heart attack).

  • Prevention if you have had a heart attack or are at risk for one. 

  • Prevention for those with a family history of a heart attack, especially if those in your family have had a heart attack at a young age.

  • A history of Thrombotic stroke (stroke caused by blood clots)

  • If you have been told you have atrial fibrillation ("a-fib"), you should talk to your healthcare provider about this if you are not on aspirin or another blood thinner.

  • Family history of gastric cancer (1)

  • Prevention for those who have a history of blood clots or pulmonary embolism (blood clots that travel to your lungs)

  It is best to discuss the use of aspirin with a healthcare provider who can help you weigh the pros and cons of taking a daily dose. It can be a tricky decision.