Generic name: Aspirin

Pronounced: ASS-pih-rin

Brand names: Ascriptin Enteric, Bayer, Ecotrin, Halfprin, St. Joseph

What this drug is used for

Aspirin relieves pain and reduces fever. It is used for headaches, toothaches, and the minor aches and pains of arthritis, colds, and flu. It can also be used for muscle aches, menstrual discomfort, and teething pain; and it is often prescribed for the long-term treatment of various forms of arthritis and related diseases. For men, small daily doses of aspirin have proven effective in reducing the chances of mini-strokes (in which clogged blood vessels prevent sufficient oxygen from reaching the brain). Aspirin is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack in people with clogged coronary arteries, and in those who've already had an attack.

Aspirin comes in several strengths and varieties, including chewable tablets. Several brands have a special "enteric" coating to protect the stomachs of people who are sensitive to other forms of the medication. One brand has calcium to help strengthen bones.

How should you take this medication?

Do not chew or crush sustained-release brands, such as Bayer time-release aspirin, or pills coated to delay breakdown of the drug, such as Ecotrin. To make them easier to swallow, take them with a full glass of water. The usual dosages are as follows.

* ADULTS AND CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND OVER

Relief of minor pain and fever

* Ascriptin Enteric Regular Strength: 2 pills every 4 hours; no more than 12 pills a day

* Ascriptin Enteric Low Strength: 4 to 8 pills every 4 hours, no more than 48 pills a day

* Genuine Bayer: 1 or 2 pills every 4 hours; no more than 12 pills a day

* Extra Strength Bayer: 1 or 2 pills every 4 hours; no more than 8 pills a day

* Extended Release Bayer: 2 pills every 8 hours, no more than 6 pills a day

* Aspirin Regimen Bayer (81-milligram tablets): A maximum of 8 pills every 4 hours or 12 pills every 6 hours

* Aspirin Regimen Bayer (325-milligram caplets): A maximum of 2 pills every 4 hours or 3 pills every 6 hours

* Aspirin Regimen Bayer with Calcium: 4 to 8 pills every 4 hours; no more than 32 pills a day

* Ecotrin: Up to 650 milligrams every 4 hours, or 1,000 milligrams every 6 hours

* St. Joseph Adult Chewable Aspirin: Chew 4 to 8 pills every 4 hours; no more than 48 pills a day. Drink a full glass of water with each dose.

Treatment of arthritis

* Extra Strength Bayer Arthritis Pain Regimen Formula: 2 caplets every 6 hours; no more than 8 caplets a day

Prevention of heart attack

The usual daily dosage ranges from one-half to one conventional 325-milligram aspirin tablet, one 162-milligram tablet, or two to four 81-milligram aspirin tablets. Your doctor may recommend a larger dose.

Prevention of mini-strokes (transient ischemic attacks)

The usual dose is 1 conventional 325-milligram tablet 4 times daily, or 2 tablets 2 times a day.

* CHILDREN

All doses are for Bayer Children's Chewable Tablets, which may be chewed, swallowed, or dissolved on the tongue. (The tablets may also be crushed in a teaspoonful of water.) Doses may be given every 4 hours. Follow with half a glass of liquid. Do not give more than 5 doses a day.

11 to 12 years: 4 to 6 tablets
9 to 11 years: 4 to 5 tablets
6 to 9 years: 4 tablets
4 to 6 years: 3 tablets
2 to 4 years: 2 tablets
Under 2 years: Consult your doctor

For dosage of other brands in children under 12, check with your doctor.

* STORAGE

Store at room temperature in a dry place. Keep container tightly closed. Protect from heat.

Do not take this medication if...

Unless your doctor approves, do not take aspirin if it has ever given you an allergic reaction, or if you have asthma, ulcers, bleeding problems, or stomach complaints--heartburn, upset stomach, or stomach pain--that fail to get better or keep coming back.

Special warnings about this medication

Aspirin has been known to trigger a serious illness called Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers who catch a virus. If your child gets chickenpox or flu, do not treat the symptoms with aspirin.

When taken for long periods, as it is for arthritis and prevention of mini-strokes and heart attacks, aspirin sometimes causes stomach problems, including pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and bleeding. It can also cause ringing in the ears or a loss of hearing. If you notice any hearing changes, check with your doctor before taking any more aspirin.

Do not take aspirin for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever, unless your doctor recommends. Call your doctor if you develop new symptoms, your pain or fever continues or gets worse, or you notice redness or swelling. (In children, do not use aspirin for pain relief for more than 5 days.)

Do not take aspirin during the last 3 months of pregnancy. It could harm the baby or cause complications during delivery. Earlier during pregnancy, and while nursing a baby, check with your doctor before taking aspirin.

Bayer Children's Chewable Tablets should not be given for arthritis pain without your doctor's approval. Also, wait at least 7 days after a tonsillectomy or oral surgery before giving the tablets. Check with your doctor immediately if the child has a severe sore throat that lasts for more than 2 days, or has a sore throat accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Aspirin can interact with a number of prescription drugs. Check with your doctor before combining it with any of the following:

Acetazolamide (Diamox)
ACE-inhibitor-type blood pressure medications such as Capoten
Antacids such as Rolaids, Tums, and Titrilac
Anti-gout drugs such as Anturane, Benemid, and Zyloprim
Arthritis preparations such as Aleve, Anaprox, Indocin, Motrin,
Naprosyn, and Orudis
Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
Certain diuretics (water pills), including Lasix
Diabetes medications, including DiaBeta, Diabinese, Micronase,
and Glucotrol
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Dipyridamole (Persantine)
Seizure medications such as Depakene
Steroids such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone)