Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) eases symptoms of fever, pain, and inflammation (swelling and redness) and reduces the ability of the blood to clot. Aspirin relieves the mild to moderate discomfort caused by a variety of conditions including arthritis, headaches, infections, menstrual cramps or pain, minor injuries, and other conditions.
Precautions
You should take special care in taking this medicine if you have any of the following conditions:
asthma
bleeding or clotting problems
drink more than 3 alcohol beverages a day
kidney disease
liver disease
nasal polyps
skin problems
stomach ulcers
viral illness, such as the flu or chickenpox
vitamin K deficiency
an unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, tartrazine dye, other medicines, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
Side effects and overdose
Side effects that may require medical attention:
black, tarry stools
confusion
difficulty breathing, wheezing
dizziness, drowsiness
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth or nose
ringing in the ears
seizures
skin rash
stomach pain
unusual bleeding or bruising, red or purple spots on the skin
vomiting up blood, or what looks like coffee grounds
Side effects that usually don't require medical attention:
diarrhoea
nausea, vomiting
reduced amount of urine passed
stomach gas, heartburn
Things to watch while taking aspirin
If you have had surgery, do not take aspirin for 5 days. Aspirin can interfere with your body's ability to stop bleeding.
Aspirin can irritate your stomach. Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes can make this irritation worse and may cause ulcers or bleeding problems. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking aspirin to prevent irritation to your throat.
The LDLO for aspirin for oral administration in children is 104mg/kg.
The LD50 for aspirin for oral administration in rats is 200mg/kg, and 1750mg/kg in mammals generally.
