Drug
Aspirin
Pronounced
"ASP-er-in"
Uses
This medication is used to reduce fever and relieve minor to moderate pain from conditions such as muscle aches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and headaches. Aspirin is known as a salicylate and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking a certain natural substance in your body to reduce pain and swelling.
Aspirin is also used in low doses as a blood thinner to prevent blood clots after surgery on clogged arteries (such as bypass surgery, carotid endarterectomy) and to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack.
How to Use This Medication
If you are using this medication for self-treatment, carefully read the product label to make sure this product is correct for you or your child. You should also read the product label to find recommendations on the maximum number of suppositories you can use in a 24-hour period, and the maximum length of self-treatment before seeking medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medication. If you are using this medication under the instruction of your doctor, use it exactly as prescribed.
Apply this medication rectally as directed by your doctor, or, if you are self-treating, follow instructions on the product label. If the suppository is too soft to insert, put it in cold water or refrigerate for 30 minutes before removing the foil wrapper. Unwrap the foil and moisten the suppository with a little water. Lie down on your left side with right knee bent. Insert the suppository into the rectum with your finger. Remain lying down for a few minutes and avoid having a bowel movement for an hour or longer so the drug will be absorbed.
The dosage and length of aspirin treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Consult your doctor before treating a child younger than 12. This medication should not be used for self-treatment of pain for longer than 10 days in adults or 5 days in children. This drug should not be used by adults or children for fever lasting longer than 3 days or for sore throat pain lasting longer than 2 days. No more than 5 doses of this medication should be given to a child for pain or fever in a 24-hour period. Do not use more medication or use it for longer than recommended above unless directed by your doctor. Use the smallest effective dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If you are using this medication for self-treatment of headache, get medical help right away if you also have trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, or sudden vision changes. Before using this drug, consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have headaches caused by head injury, coughing, or bending, or if you have a headache with vomiting, fever, and stiff neck.
If you are using this medication on an as needed basis (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has significantly worsened, the medicine may not work as well.
Consult your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse (for example, if you have new or unusual symptoms, redness/swelling of the painful area, pain/fever that does not go away or gets worse).