ASA
ASA (such as Anacin, Aspirin, or Bufferin) relieves pain and reduces fever and inflammation.
Warning: Do not give ASA to anyone younger than 20 unless your doctor tells you to do so because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Be sure to follow the non-prescription medicine precautions.
Dosage: Adults (age 20 and older), 650 mg every 4 hours, as needed. Maximum adult dose is 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period.
ASA is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). For information about other NSAIDs, see non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Side effects of ASA include:
- Stomach upset or discomfort, which is the most common side effect. Taking ASA with food may help.
- Ringing in the ears. Stop taking ASA or take a smaller dose until the ringing goes away.
- Eye problems, such as blurred or double vision.
- Dizziness.
- Rapid, deep breathing.
Stop taking ASA and call a health professional if side effects do not go away within 4 hours after the last dose of ASA was taken.
Reasons not to take ASA
Do not take ASA if you:
- Are allergic to ASA.
- Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
- Are breast-feeding.
- Have asthma.
- Have nasal polyps.
- Have a blood-clotting disorder.
- Have peptic ulcer disease.
- Have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Have a hangover.
Do not take ASA if you are taking:
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants).
- Oral diabetes medicines.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: October 3, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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