Bayer Aspirin (NSAID, antiplatelet agent)

Bayer Aspirin is the brand name of the drug aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). It is available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription.

Uses

What is Bayer Aspirin used for?

• Reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality (death) in patients with a history or suspected myocardial infarction (heart attack).
• Reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality in people with cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, hypertension, smoking).
• Treating stroke in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA).
• Preventing thromboembolism after vascular surgery interventions.
• Reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality in people with stable or unstable angina pectoris.
• Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and lung embolism
• Prevention of secondary stroke.

How should I take Bayer Aspirin?

Read the directions on the packaging for complete information. Check the label and expiration date.

For oral dosage forms, swallow it whole without chewing, crushing, or dissolving it in liquid. Take it with meals to prevent gastric irritation.

However, in certain emergencies such as myocardial infarction, tablets should be chewed or crushed then swallowed to speed up absorption.

How do I store Bayer Aspirin?

Store this product at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer.

There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. So, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should I know before using Bayer Aspirin?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are/have:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Taking any other medicines. This includes any prescription, OTC, and herbal remedies.
• An allergy to any of the ingredients of this product.
• Any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Salicylates are present in the umbilical cord and in breast milk after taking them. Low-dose aspirin has less adverse effects than high-dose aspirin. Pregnant women should avoid taking aspirin at 20 weeks of gestation until delivery. Other pain relievers are recommended over aspirin while breastfeeding.

Side Effects

What side effects can occur from Bayer Aspirin?

However, not everyone experiences these side effects. In addition, some people may experience other side effects. So, if you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Bayer Aspirin?

This medication may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects.

To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.

Drugs with known interactions:

If you experience an adverse drug interaction, inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Approaches include dose adjustment, drug substitution, or ending therapy.

Does food or alcohol interact with Bayer Aspirin?

This drug may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this drug to prevent gastric irritation. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Bayer Aspirin?

This drug may interact with underlying conditions. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. Therefore, it is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have, especially:

• Active bleeding
• Ulcers
• Bleeding disorders
• Viral infections (in children)

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.

What is the dose for an adult?

Acute myocardial infarction

Initially, take 162 to 325 mg as soon as you feel symptoms or have signs of myocardial infarction. For 30 days after the attack, continue taking 162 to 325 mg every day. In this case, the tablet should be crushed or chewed and then swallowed in order to achieve fast relief.

Previous myocardial infarction

Take 81 to 325 mg per day.

Preventing first myocardial infarction

Take 81 to 100 mg per day -OR- 300 to 325 mg every other day.

Secondary prevention of stroke

Take 81 to 325 mg per day.

Preventing thromboembolism

Take 81 to 100 mg per day -OR- 300 to 325 mg every other day.

What is the dose for a child?

Aspirin is not recommended for use in children under 3 years old. Do not give it to children with fever symptoms that may be caused by a viral infection such as chicken pox or flu. A child taking aspirin may develop Reye’s Syndrome which can be fatal.

Ask your child’s pediatrician if aspirin is right for them before giving it to treat any illness or pain.

How is Bayer Aspirin available?

Aspirin is available in the following brands dosage forms and strengths:

• Tablets: 100 mg, 300 mg

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.