Pronounced: BUF-fer-in

Generic ingredients: Aspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium carbonate, Magnesium oxide

What this drug is used for
Both Bufferin and Extra Strength Bufferin provide fast, temporary relief of:

Headaches
Minor arthritis pain and inflammation
Muscle aches
Pain and fever of colds
Menstrual pain
Toothaches

Bufferin is also used to lower the risk of both mini-strokes (TIAs) and full-blown strokes in men who have had previous TIAs resulting from the partial blockage of an artery by cholesterol build-up or by a blood clot.

Aspirin, the main ingredient in Bufferin, has been proven to reduce the risk of both mild and serious heart attacks in people who have had previous heart attacks or who suffer from angina (chest pain that occurs when clogged arteries prevent the heart muscle from getting enough oxygen).

Arthritis Strength Bufferin, which contains the same amount of aspirin as Extra Strength Bufferin, is sold for the temporary relief of minor aches and pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and heat in arthritic joints.

How should you take this medication?

Dosages are for adults and children 12 years and older. For children under 12, consult your doctor.

* REGULAR STRENGTH BUFFERIN

For Relief of Aches, Pain, and Fever

The usual dose is 2 tablets with water every 4 hours while you still have symptoms. Do not take more than 12 tablets in 24 hours unless your doctor approves.

To Prevent Recurrent TIAs

For men, the usual dosage is 2 tablets twice a day or 1 tablet 4 times a day.

To Reduce the Risk of Heart Attacks

The recommended daily dosage is 300 to 325 milligrams (1 tablet).

* EXTRA STRENGTH AND ARTHRITIS STRENGTH BUFFERIN

Swallow 2 pills with water every 6 hours while your symptoms last. Do not take more than 8 pills in 24 hours unless your doctor tells you to.

* STORAGE

Store at room temperature.

Do not take this medication if...

Unless your doctor approves, do not use Bufferin if you are allergic to aspirin, or if you have asthma, ulcers or bleeding problems, or stomach problems--heartburn, upset stomach, or stomach pain--that do not get better or that go away and come back again.

Special warnings about this medication

The aspirin in Bufferin 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 Bufferin.

Do not take Bufferin 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 have redness or swelling.

Do not take Bufferin 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 Bufferin.

If you develop ringing in the ears or loss of hearing, consult your doctor before taking any more of this product.

High doses of aspirin--about 3 regular-strength or 2 extra-strength tablets a day--occasionally cause side effects such as heartburn, stomach pain, stomach and intestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, and a small increase in blood pressure.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Check with your doctor before combining Bufferin with any of the following:

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