Aspirin is a medication to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation. In addition, the drug, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is also used to prevent blood clots from forming, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with cardiovascular disease.
Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that works to prevent the formation of prostaglandins through the pathway COX-1 inhibitors. In addition, this drug can also work to prevent the formation of blood clots (antiplatelet).
Although it can be used to relieve fever and inflammation, giving aspirin to children who have the flu, fever, or chickenpox, is often associated with the risk of developing Reye's syndrome. Do not use this drug carelessly without the direction and advice of a doctor.
Aspirin trademark: Acetylsalicylic Acid, Apstor, Ascardia, Aspilets, Astika, Bodrexin, Cardio Aspirin, Cartylo, Contrexyn, Coplavix, Pharmasal, Gramasal, Inzana, Miniaspi 80, Naspro, Nogren, Nospirinal, Novosta, Thrombo Aspilets
What is Aspirin
| group | Prescription and over-the-counter drugs |
| Category | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antiplatelet agents. |
| Benefit | Relieves pain, fever, inflammation and prevents the formation of blood clots. |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Aspirin for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. NSAIDs should not be used when gestational age is more than 20 weeks. Aspirin can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warning Before Taking Aspirin
There are several things you should pay attention to before using aspirin, including:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Aspirin should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma, gastrointestinal bleeding, or a blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia or low levels of vitamin K.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, stomach ulcers, gout, hypertension, nasal polyps, or heart disease, including heart failure.
- Do not give aspirin to children without consulting a doctor first, because its use in children can increase the risk of developing Reye's syndrome.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effect after using Aspirin.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Aspirin
The following are aspirin doses for adults based on the condition to be treated:
- Condition: Fever or pain
Initial dose 300–900 mg, dose may be repeated after 4–6 hours if needed. The maximum dose is 4,000 mg per day.
- Condition: Stroke, angina pectoris, heart attack
For the prevention of this condition, the dose is 150–300 mg
- Condition: rheumatic disease
For acute rheumatic disorders, the dose is 4,000–8,000 mg per day, divided into several doses. Meanwhile, for chronic conditions the dose is 5,400 mg per day, divided into several consumption doses.
- Condition: Prevention of cardiovascular disease in high-risk patients
For long-term prevention, the dose is 75–150 mg once daily. For short-term prevention, the dose is 150–300 mg per day.
How to Take Aspirin Correctly
Always follow your doctor's instructions and read the information on the medicine package before taking aspirin.
Aspirin is taken after meals. Swallow the aspirin tablet whole with the help of a full glass of water. Do not crush, split, or chew aspirin tablets as this can increase the risk of side effects. Do not lie down immediately after taking the medicine. Wait up to 10 minutes, so as not to hurt the stomach.
Take aspirin regularly. Do not start or stop taking the drug or increase or decrease the dose of the drug without consulting your doctor first.
If you forget to take an aspirin tablet, take it as soon as you remember if the distance to the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store Aspirin in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, and at room temperature. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Aspirin Drug Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several interactions that can occur if aspirin is used with other drugs, including:
- Increased risk of bleeding or ulcers in the digestive tract when used with corticosteroids or other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen
- Increased risk of blood cell damage when used with methotrexate
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with other blood thinners, such as heparin, warfarin, phenindione, clopidogrel, or dipyridamole
- Increased risk of acidosis and damage to the central nervous system when used with acetazolamide
- Increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if used with sulfonylurea drugs
- Decreased blood levels of phenytoin, lithium, digoxin, or valproate
- Decreased effect of probenecid or sulfinpyrazone
Aspirin Side Effects and Dangers
The following are some of the side effects that can occur after taking aspirin:
- Stomach pain or burning and burning feeling in the chest (Heartburn)
- Vomiting or nausea
Consult a doctor if these side effects do not improve or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Easy bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine, jaundice, or unusual tiredness
- Gastrointestinal bleeding which can be characterized by very severe abdominal pain, black vomit, or bloody stools
- Infrequent urination or the amount of urine that comes out is very little