Ecotrin is the brand name of the drug aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid; ASA).
Uses
What is Ecotrin used for?
Ecotrin is commonly used for reducing fever and relieving mild to moderate pain from conditions such as muscle aches, toothaches, malaise, menstrual pain, and headaches. It may also be used to reduce pain and swelling in conditions such as arthritis.
Ecotrin is sometimes used to treat or prevent heart attacks, strokes, and chest pain (angina). Aspirin should be used for cardiovascular conditions only under the supervision of a doctor.
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication.
What is the dose for an adult?
Ecotrin 81mg
- Usual dose: 4 to 8 tabs every 4 hours, while symptoms persist.
- Maximum dose: 48 tabs within a 24-hour period.
Ecotrin 325mg
- Usual dose: 1 to 2 tabs every 4 hours, while symptoms persist.
- Maximum dose: 12 tabs within a 24-hour period.
What is the dose for a child?
Aspirin should not be given to children, especially if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms. This is to prevent Reye’s syndrome, which is rare but can be fatal.
The dosage has not been established in pediatric patients. It may be unsafe for your child. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Directions
How should I take Ecotrin?
It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with or without food, swallow tablet with a glass of water.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use medication.
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 your nearest emergency room.
It is also important to carry a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking with you in case of emergencies.
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.
Side effects
What side effects can occur from Ecotrin?
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Ecotrin may cause these side effects, such as:
- Signs of an allergic reaction
- Black, bloody, or tarry stools
- Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
- Fever lasting longer than 3 days
- Tinnitus
Less serious side effects may include:
- Upset stomach
- Heartburn
- Drowsiness
- Headache
Precautions/Warnings
What should I know before using Ecotrin?
Consult with your doctor or pharmacist, if you are/have:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
- Recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding; a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia
- Ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or NSAIDs .
Ecotrin should not be given to a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome in children.
Is it safe in specific conditions (e.g. pregnancy, breastfeeding, or surgery)?
Surgery:
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Pregnancy:
It is not recommended to take aspirin during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester (last 3 months). Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication.
This medication is pregnancy risk category C during the first and second trimester and category D in 3rd trimester, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:
- A=No risk;
- B=No risk in some studies;
- C=There may be some risk;
- D=Positive evidence of risk;
- X=Contraindicated;
- N=Unknown.
Breastfeeding:
Ecotrin and its metabolites pass into breast milk in small quantities. Since no adverse effects on the infant have been observed after occasional use, interruption of breastfeeding is usually unnecessary. However, on regular use or on intake of high doses, breastfeeding should be discontinued early.
Always consult your health care provider before using any drug if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
What drugs may interact with Ecotrin?
Ecotrin 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. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.
These products may interact with Ecotrin include:
- Mifepristone
- Acetazolamide
- Blood thinners (such as warfarin, heparin)
- Corticosteroids (such as prednisone), methotrexate, valproic acid
- Herbal medications such as ginkgo biloba
Does food or alcohol interact with Ecotrin?
Ecotrin may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.
How do I store Ecotrin?
Ecotrin is best stored 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 aspirin that may have different storage needs. 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. 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.
How is Ecotrin available?
Ecotrin is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
- Enteric-coated tablets 81 mg, 325mg
[embed-health-tool-bmi]
