Aspirin Benefits: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Heart Health Explained

Summary of Key Points

Aspirin is a commonly used medication that helps reduce pain, inflammation, and fever, while also lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It belongs to a group of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In low doses, aspirin is also used to help prevent certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or adjusting your aspirin dosage, especially if you have other medical conditions.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Bayer Aspirin

Generic Name: Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)

The generic name refers to the active ingredient in the medication, which is listed in parentheses after the brand name.

Pharmacologic Category

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Antiplatelet Agents

Aspirin Dosage and Uses

Aspirin is used to treat a variety of conditions, with the dosage and frequency depending on the specific condition being treated. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your dose. You may also schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers for personalized advice.

Common Aspirin Dosages

1. Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: 81 mg to 325 mg once daily. This is typically a long-term treatment to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
2. Stroke Prevention: 50 mg to 325 mg once daily. This is usually a long-term treatment to help prevent future strokes.
3. Heart Attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction): 160 mg to 325 mg taken immediately at the onset of symptoms, followed by 81 mg to 325 mg once daily as directed by your healthcare provider.
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis: 3 grams to 5.4 grams per day, divided into several doses. This helps reduce inflammation and pain associated with the condition.
5. Osteoarthritis: 2.4 grams to 3.6 grams per day, divided into several doses. This dosage helps manage joint pain and inflammation.
6. Fever: 325 mg to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 4 grams per day without consulting your healthcare provider.
7. Pain: 325 mg to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 4 grams per day without consulting your healthcare provider.
8. Inflammation: 2.4 grams to 5.4 grams per day, divided into several doses. This is used to reduce inflammation in various conditions.
9. Gout: 325 mg to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. This helps manage pain and inflammation during gout flare-ups.
10. Preventive Treatment for Colorectal Cancer: 81 mg to 325 mg once daily. This is a long-term treatment to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in certain individuals.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Aspirin is available in various forms and strengths to meet different needs. Common dosage forms include:

1. Tablets: 81 mg, 325 mg, 500 mg
2. Chewable Tablets: 81 mg
3. Enteric-Coated Tablets: 81 mg, 325 mg
4. Suppositories: 300 mg, 600 mg

Administration Instructions for Aspirin

Aspirin should be taken with food or a full glass of water to minimize the risk of stomach upset. Do not crush or chew enteric-coated tablets, as this can damage the protective coating. Chewable tablets should be thoroughly chewed before swallowing. If you are using aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention, take it exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Never adjust your dose without consulting a healthcare professional.

Contraindications for Aspirin Use

Contraindications are specific situations where a medication should not be used due to potential harm. If you have any of the following conditions or risk factors, aspirin may not be safe for you. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication, including aspirin.

Conditions Where Aspirin Should Be Avoided

1. Allergy to Aspirin or NSAIDs: If you have a known allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs, taking aspirin can cause severe allergic reactions, including hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
2. Active Stomach Ulcers or Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Aspirin can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of bleeding, especially in individuals with a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
3. Bleeding Disorders (e.g., Hemophilia): Aspirin can interfere with blood clotting, making it dangerous for people with bleeding disorders as it increases the risk of uncontrolled bleeding.
4. Asthma: Some individuals with asthma may experience worsening symptoms or life-threatening reactions when taking aspirin, a condition known as Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).
5. Severe Kidney or Liver Disease: Aspirin can worsen kidney or liver function in individuals with pre-existing severe disease, potentially leading to further complications.
6. Children or Teenagers with Viral Infections: Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers recovering from viral infections (such as the flu or chickenpox) due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition affecting the liver and brain.

Drug-to-Drug Interactions with Aspirin

Aspirin can interact with other medications, increasing the risk of side effects or reducing the effectiveness of either drug. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Below are some common medications that may interact with aspirin:

Common Drug Interactions

1. Blood Thinners: Warfarin (Coumadin), Clopidogrel (Plavix), and Apixaban (Eliquis) – Taking aspirin with blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding.
2. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Naproxen (Aleve) – Combining these with aspirin can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
3. Corticosteroids: Prednisone (Deltasone) – Corticosteroids can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when taken with aspirin.
4. Diuretics: Furosemide (Lasix) and Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) – Aspirin may reduce the effectiveness of diuretics, which are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
5. Antidepressants: Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluoxetine (Prozac) – These medications, when combined with aspirin, can increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in the stomach.

Aspirin in Pregnancy

Is it safe to take Aspirin when pregnant?

Aspirin is generally not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, as it can affect the baby’s heart and blood circulation. However, in specific cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe low-dose Aspirin (81 mg) to help prevent complications such as preeclampsia. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider before taking Aspirin.

Aspirin while Breastfeeding

Is it safe to take Aspirin while breastfeeding?

Aspirin is usually not advised while breastfeeding because it can pass into breast milk and may pose risks to the baby, including the potential for Reye’s syndrome. If you need pain relief while breastfeeding, speak with your healthcare provider about safer alternatives.

Estimated Cost of Aspirin Medication

The cost of a 30-day supply of Aspirin (81 mg or 325 mg) without insurance can vary depending on the brand and dosage. With a GoodRx coupon, a 30-day supply of low-dose Aspirin (81 mg) may cost as little as $2 to $5. Regular-strength Aspirin (325 mg) may be slightly more expensive, typically ranging from $5 to $10 for a 30-day supply.

Possible Alternatives to Aspirin

If you are unable to take Aspirin or are exploring alternative treatments, there are other options available depending on your condition. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. Our telemedicine providers are available to discuss these alternatives with you.

Cardiovascular Disease

Alternatives may include other blood-thinning medications such as Clopidogrel (Plavix), or lifestyle modifications like adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and quitting smoking.

Stroke

Depending on the type of stroke, alternative medications like Warfarin (Coumadin) or newer anticoagulants such as Apixaban (Eliquis) may be recommended.

Heart Attack

Other antiplatelet drugs, such as Ticagrelor (Brilinta), or lifestyle changes like lowering cholesterol and managing blood pressure, may be beneficial.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like Methotrexate or biologic therapies such as Adalimumab (Humira) may be used to manage symptoms.

Osteoarthritis

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or physical therapy may be considered as alternatives for managing pain and inflammation.

Fever

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil) can be used as alternatives to Aspirin for reducing fever.

Pain

Depending on the type and severity of pain, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen (Advil) may be recommended.

Inflammation

Other NSAIDs, such as Naproxen (Aleve), or prescription medications like Celecoxib (Celebrex), may be suitable alternatives.

Gout

Medications like Colchicine or Allopurinol may be prescribed to manage gout symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Preventive Treatment for Colorectal Cancer

If Aspirin is not appropriate, other preventive strategies may include regular screenings, maintaining a healthy diet, and addressing risk factors such as obesity and smoking.

Recent Updates on Aspirin Research

Recent studies have raised concerns about the routine use of low-dose Aspirin for the primary prevention of heart disease in individuals without a history of cardiovascular events. In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated its guidelines, advising against the use of low-dose Aspirin for primary prevention in adults over 60 due to the increased risk of bleeding. However, Aspirin may still be beneficial for secondary prevention in people who have already experienced a heart attack or stroke. Ongoing research is also investigating the potential role of Aspirin in cancer prevention, particularly colorectal cancer, though more studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

If you have any questions about your current Aspirin use or are considering starting it for preventive purposes, we encourage you to schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our healthcare providers today.

James Kingsley

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