How Should I Use Aspirin?

• Take aspirin exactly as directed on the label or by your doctor. Do not use more or less than recommended. If aspirin upsets your stomach, take it with food.
• Follow the instructions for children on the medication label carefully.
• If you are using chewable aspirin, chew it thoroughly before swallowing. Do not crush or chew enteric-coated tablets or delayed-release forms of aspirin; swallow them whole.
• Inform your doctor before undergoing any surgery, as you may need to stop using aspirin temporarily.
• If the aspirin bottle smells like vinegar, do not use it; the medication may no longer be effective.
• Store the medication at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

Aspirin is often used as needed, so it may not follow a fixed dosing schedule. If you are following a prescribed schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double up on the medication.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose may include stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, vision or hearing problems, rapid or slow breathing, or confusion.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Aspirin?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking aspirin. Excessive alcohol use may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. If you are taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks or strokes, avoid taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) simultaneously, as it may reduce aspirin's effectiveness. Consult your doctor for advice on combining the two medications.

Before using any cold, allergy, or pain medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the amount of aspirin in the product. Many over-the-counter medicines contain aspirin or NSAIDs, which may not be safe for individuals taking aspirin.

Side Effects of Aspirin

Common side effects of aspirin may include stomach discomfort, drowsiness, and mild headaches. Seek emergency care if you experience allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using the medication and consult a doctor if you notice symptoms such as ringing in the ears, confusion, hallucinations, rapid breathing, seizures, nausea, vomiting, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, vomit resembling coffee grounds, persistent fever, or pain/swelling lasting more than 10 days.

Drug Interactions with Aspirin

If you are taking antidepressants such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, or vilazodone, consult your doctor before using aspirin. Combining these drugs with aspirin may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding.

Aspirin used alongside methotrexate in cancer or autoimmune disease treatments can interfere with its elimination from the body, causing methotrexate toxicity.

Use the following medications cautiously with aspirin and under medical supervision:

• Blood thinners such as warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven, or other anticoagulants
• Other salicylates like Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol, and Trilisate

Sources: drugs.com, medicalnewstoday.com