Aspirin is a drug that many of us know and use regularly. Some people take it daily on the advice of their doctor to protect themselves from diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Others take it for body aches and fever. But we need to be very careful when using this drug. Today, we will talk about what you need to know about this aspirin, especially the enteric-coated type that is designed to reduce stomach inflammation.
Simply put, what happens with aspirin?
Aspirin is a medicine that reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. It is also used to treat certain types of pain, inflammation, or arthritis.
This medicine belongs to the group of drugs called ``NSAIDs.'' Simply put, it means a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain and inflammation.
Things to tell your doctor before taking aspirin
Before you start using aspirin, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following health conditions. This is very important.
| Health condition/habit | Why you should care |
|---|---|
| Anemia | Because aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding. |
| Asthma | Some asthma patients may be allergic to aspirin. |
| Bleeding problems | Because aspirin controls blood clotting, the risk increases. |
| Diabetes | Interactions with other medications may occur. |
| Gout | Aspirin can aggravate gout. |
| Having a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding | This is very important. Aspirin can cause these conditions to recur. |
| Frequent drinking of alcohol | The risk of stomach bleeding is significantly increased. |
| Kidney or Liver disease | The process of removing the medicine from the body may be affected. |
| Allergies to aspirin or other medications | Allergy to aspirin, tartrazine dye, or other painkillers. |
| Being pregnant or trying to conceive/breastfeeding | Avoid taking without medical advice during pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
The way to use this is very simple, but very important.
- Swallow the pill whole with a glass of water .
- Most importantly: Do not chew, break, or crush this tablet. This is because the special coating (enteric-coating) on it is designed to dissolve in the intestines, not the stomach. This is done to reduce inflammation in the stomach (gastritis). If you break it, the coating may be removed and you may develop stomach inflammation.
- If you have an upset stomach, take this medicine with food. You can also take it without food.
- Do not take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor.
Take special care of children and the elderly.
Do not give this to children and young people, especially if they have symptoms of chicken pox or influenza (flu), without a doctor's advice. It can cause serious complications. People over 65 may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, so a lower dose may be needed. Talk to your doctor about this.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Medicines that should not be used with aspirin and which may interact
Aspirin is a drug that can interact with other medications, so it's very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking.
| Drugs that should never be taken with aspirin | |
|---|---|
| Cidofovir | Ketorolac |
| Probenecid | |
| Other things that may interact with aspirin | |
| Alcohol | Other NSAID painkillers (e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen) |
| Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin, Clopidogrel) | Some medications taken for diabetes or gout |
| Some herbal supplements (e.g. ginger, garlic, ginkgo) | Varicella live vaccine |
Remember, this list is not complete. Tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, and herbal remedy you take.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medications, aspirin can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding | Bloody or tarry stools, vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds, dark red/brown urine, blood spots on the skin. |
| Hearing loss/ringing in the ears | A condition called tinnitus. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes or skin, light-colored stools, and dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Appetite |
| Nausea | Stomach discomfort/inflammation |
Take-Home Message
- Aspirin is not a drug to be taken routinely. Always use it only under the advice of your doctor , and in the prescribed dosage.
- If you are using the enteric-coated type, do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
- Be sure to inform your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you are taking.
- If you experience symptoms of bleeding, such as stomach pain, black stools, or vomiting blood, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not give aspirin to children and young people with chickenpox or the flu without a doctor's approval.
- If the pills smell strongly of vinegar , do not use them, it means they are spoiled.
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