- Uses
- Side Effects
- Dosage
- Drug Supplements
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
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What is aspirin, and what is it used for?
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. It also prevents blood clots (i.e., is antithrombotic). As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers of mild to moderate pain of many causes, including
- headaches,
- injury,
- menstrual cramps,
- arthritis, and
- other musculoskeletal conditions.
Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) and several others. They all work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that are released when there is inflammation and that cause pain and fever. NSAIDs block the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain, and fever are reduced.
Inhibition of prostaglandins also reduces the function of platelets and the ability of blood to clot. Aspirin, inhibits the function of platelets in a manner that is different from other NSAIDs, and its antithrombotic effects last longer than other NSAIDs. This is why aspirin is used for preventing heart attacks and strokes. The FDA approved Bayer aspirin in June 1965.
Aspirin is used for the treatment of inflammation, fever, and pain that results from many forms of arthritis, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Reiter's syndrome
- Osteoarthritis
- Soft tissue injuries, such as tendinitis and bursitis
Aspirin also is used for rapid relief of mild to moderate pain and fever in other inflammatory conditions. Because aspirin inhibits the function of platelets for prolonged periods of time, it is used for reducing the risk of another stroke or heart attack in people who have already had a stroke or heart attack.
What are the side effects of aspirin?
Most patients benefit from aspirin and other NSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can occur and generally tend to be dose-related. Therefore, it is advisable to use the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects.
The most common side effects of aspirin involve the gastrointestinal system and ringing in the ears.
Gastrointestinal side effects are
- ulcerations,
- abdominal burning,
- pain,
- cramping,
- nausea,
- gastritis, and
- even serious gastrointestinal bleeding and
- liver toxicity.
Sometimes, ulceration and bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain. Black tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal bleeding.
Ringing in the ears
Other side effects include:
Other side effects and adverse reactions
- Aspirin should be avoided by patients with peptic ulcer disease or poor kidney function, since this medication can aggravate both conditions.
- Aspirin may exacerbate asthma.
- Aspirin can raise the blood uric acid level and is avoided in patients with hyperuricemia and gout.
- Children and teenagers should avoid aspirin for symptoms of the flu or chickenpox because of the associated risk of Reye's Syndrome, a serious disease of the liver and nervous system that can lead to coma and death.
- Aspirin can increase the effect of medicines used to treat diabetes mellitus, resulting in abnormally low blood sugars if blood sugar levels are not monitored.
- NSAIDs should be discontinued prior to elective surgery because of a mild tendency to interfere with blood clotting. Aspirin, because of its prolonged effect on platelets, is best discontinued at least ten to fourteen days in advance of the procedure.
QUESTION
See AnswerWhat is the dosage for aspirin?
Aspirin should be taken with food. Doses range from 50 mg to 6000 mg daily depending on the use.
- Usual doses for mild to moderate pain are 350 or 650 mg every 4 hours or 500 mg every 6 hours.
- Doses for rheumatoid arthritis include 500 mg every 4-6 hours; 650 mg every 4 hours; 1000 mg every 4-6 hours; 1950 mg twice daily.
- Heart attacks are prevented with 75, 81, 162 or 325 mg daily.
- 160 to 325 mg of non-enteric coated aspirin should be chewed immediately when experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.
- The dose for preventing another stroke is 75 to 100 mg daily.
Which drugs interact with aspirin?
- Aspirin is associated with several suspected or probable interactions that affect the action of other drugs. The following examples are the most common of the suspected interactions.
- NSAIDs may increase the blood levels of lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) by reducing the excretion of lithium by the kidneys. Increased levels of lithium may lead to lithium toxicity.
- Aspirin may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of blood pressure medications. This may occur because prostaglandins have a role in the regulation of blood pressure.
- When aspirin is used in combination with methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) or aminoglycoside antibiotics (for example, gentamicin) the blood levels of the methotrexate or aminoglycoside may increase, presumably because their elimination from the body is reduced. This may lead to more methotrexate or aminoglycoside-related side effects.
- Individuals taking oral blood thinners or anticoagulants, for example, warfarin, (Coumadin) should avoid aspirin because aspirin also thins the blood, and excessive blood thinning may lead to serious bleeding.
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Is aspirin safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Aspirin is generally avoided during pregnancy because it may adversely effect the fetus. However, low aspirin doses have been safely used for the prevention of complications of pregnancy.
- Aspirin is excreted into breast milk and may cause adverse effects in the infant.
What else should I know about aspirin?
What preparations of acetylsalicylic acid are available?
- Chewable tablets: 81mg; caplets and tablets: 325mg, 500mg; enteric coated (safety coated) caplets and tablets: 325mg, 500mg.
How should I keep acetylsalicylic acid stored?
- Aspirin should be stored at room temperature, 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F), in a sealed container, avoiding moisture.
- Aspirin is available is available in generic form without a prescription from your doctor or other healthcare professional.
Summary
Aspirin (Aspirin, Arthritis Foundation Safety Coated Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin, Bayer Children's Aspirin, Ecotrin, and many others) is a NSAID used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation in the body that results from forms of arthritis, and soft tissue injuries. Aspirin is also used for decreasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Side effects, drug interactions, pregnancy information, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
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Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Ulcers
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed medications for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and more. One common side effect of NSAIDs is peptic ulcer (ulcers of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum). Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient safety information should be reviewed prior to taking NSAIDs.
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Tension Headache
A tension headache is one of the most common types of headaches, and the exact cause is not known. Factors that may contribute to tension or stress headaches are lack of sleep, increased stress (referred to as a stress headache), skipping meals, dehydration, medical diseases or conditions, anxiety, or changes at home, work, or school. Treatment of tension headaches include prescription and OTC medications, stress management, and treating any underlying illness or condition.
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Can Migraines Cause Fevers?
Since a fever isn’t a common symptom of a migraine attack, a fever coupled with a headache may be a sign of another underlying illness, such as COVID-19 or heatstroke.
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Laryngitis Home Remedies
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. Inflammation of the larynx is most often caused by viral infections. Symptoms include sore throat, cough, problems swallowing, and fever. The voice changes produced by laryngitis may last after the fever and other symptoms of the acute infection have gone away. The best natural home remedy to relieve pain and other symptoms caused by laryngitis includes resting your voice and breathing humidified air often. Turning on the hot water in the bathroom and then sitting in the steam can soothe and relieve laryngitis symptoms. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve) can relieve pain and inflammation caused by laryngitis. Don't give children aspirin to infants, toddlers, children, and teens because of the risk of developing Reye's syndrome, which can be fatal. Home remedies like resting your voice and sitting in humidified air can cure laryngitis. Medications like anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can relieve and soothe pain and symptoms caused by laryngitis.
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Is Aspirin an Anti-Inflammatory?
Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug that falls under a drug class called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aspirin is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation and fever. In low doses, it can also be used as a preventative measure against heart attack and stroke.
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Trigeminal Neuralgia
Pain that originates in the face is referred to as trigeminal neuralgia. This pain may be caused by: an injury, an infection in the face, a nerve disorder, or it can occur for no known reason. Trigeminal neuralgia can be treated with antiseizure medications. Some antidepressant drugs also have significant pain relieving effects.
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Pericarditis
Pericarditis is a heart condition in which the pericardium (the sac around your heart) is inflamed. The inflammation may produce a collection of fluid in the pericardial sac called pericardial effusion. Learn the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatments for pericarditis.
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Interstitial Cystitis (IC) and Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS)
Interstitial cystitis (IC)/painful bladder syndrome (PBS) is an inflammatory disease of the bladder that can cause ulceration and bleeding of the bladder's lining and can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder. Symptoms of interstitial cystitis may vary among individuals and may even vary with time in the same individual.
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Does Daith Piercing Help Treat Migraine?
Migraines are complex disorders involving episodes of recurrent, severe headaches. Migraine headache is usually on one side and felt as pounding or pulsating. It may be associated with visual or sensory symptoms, collectively called “aura.”
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Claudication
Claudication is lower leg pain and/or cramping due to limited blood flow and lack of oxygen as a result of hardened or blocked arteries (atherosclerosis). Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the most common cause. Learn more about other causes, symptoms, and how to treat claudication.
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Can You Take Time Off Work for a Migraine?
Migraines are most common in adults of working age. Since migraines are still misunderstood, there's not typically a lot of support at work. Talk to your employer and discuss sick policies. They may have information about managing migraines and work. You should also tread your company's Equality and Diversity and Health and Safety policies.
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Sinus Headache
Sinus headache is caused by a sinus infection or inflammation of the sinus cavities. Symptoms of a sinus headache include pain, runny or stuffy nose, and chronic cough. There are many causes of sinus headaches including sinusitis or sinus infection, allergies, smoke, infections, or colds. Treatment for sinus headaches depends on the cause. Some home remedies may relieve sinus headache pain symptoms.
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Can I Skip an Aspirin Dose?
For people prescribed aspirin for serious disease conditions, missing your doses could prove serious and, even, fatal, in some cases.
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Should I Go to the ER for a Migraine?
A migraine is a severe throbbing and pulsating headache that causes pain on one side of the head. A patient should visit an emergency department if they have a severe headache with or without nausea and vomiting.
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Menstrual Cramps and PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) Treatment
Menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloating, a feeling of fullness, abdominal pain, mood swings, anxiety and more. Treatment for menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include regular sleep, exercise, smoking cessation, diet changes, and OTC or prescription medication depending on the severity of the condition.
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Bunions
Bunions are an enlargement of the inner portion of the joint at the base of the big toe. The symptoms of bunions include inflammation, redness, tenderness, and pain of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The little toe may also develop a bunion (tailor's bunion).
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How Long Does Headache Last After Thunderclap?
Thunderclap headache is an extremely painful headache that begins suddenly and peaks with intensity within seconds. These headaches can last for at least 5 minutes.
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Moyamoya Disease
Moyamoya disease is an inherited (genetic) progressive cerebrovascular disorder caused by arteries that are blocked at the base of the brain. Moyamoya means 'puff of smoke' in Japanese. Symptoms of Moyamoya disease in adults include fainting, and vision problems, and in children included may include headaches and speech problems. There are six stages of Moyamoya disease.
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Can Hemiplegic Migraine Cause Death?
In rare cases, hemiplegic migraine can cause permanent brain damage, infarction, intellectual disability, and cardiovascular events that increase the risk of death.
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Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury to a person's neck following a car accident (in most cases). Symptoms include headache, neck pain, neck and shoulder stiffness, shoulder pain, fatigue, dizziness, jaw pain, arm pain, weakness of the arm(s), visual disturbances, and tinnitus.
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Frozen Shoulder
A frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is when the shoulder joint experiences a significant loss in its range of motion due to inflammation, scarring, or injury. Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, and physical therapy.
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Fabry Disease
Fabry disease (Fabry's disease, alpha-galactosidase-A) is a genetic disorder with symptoms such as burning sensations in the hands, small-raised reddish-purplish blemishes on the skin, fever, decreases sweating, and gastrointestinal (GI) difficulties. Fabry disease patients are at increased risk of heart attack, heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke. Symptoms of Fabry disease can be treated with medication.
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SAPHO Syndrome
SAPHO syndrome is a chronic disorder that involves the skin, bone, and joints. SAPHO syndrome is an eponym for the combination of synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis. SAPHO syndrome is related to arthritic conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis. Treatment is directed toward the individual symptoms that are present.
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Migraine and Stroke
Migraine is a type of headache that causes severe pain on one side of the head. A stroke is a condition that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked (ischemic), leaks, or bursts (hemorrhagic). In addition to severe head pain, migraine can mimic and have the same symptoms of a stroke.
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What Does Aspirin Do to Your Body?
Aspirin works by lowering the symptoms of inflammation, such as pain or swelling, as well as it helps promote blood flow in the body.
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Still's Disease
Still's disease is a disorder characterized by inflammation with high fever spikes, fatigue, salmon-colored rash, and/or arthritis.
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What Is the Difference Between Primary and Secondary Headaches?
Depending on their cause, headaches are categorized into two categories, primary and secondary headaches. Learn their differences below.
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Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis is inflammation of the shoulder bursa. Bursitis may be caused by injury, infection, or a rheumatic condition. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, and pain with movement of the shoulder joint. Treatment may involve ice compresses, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications and depends on whether there is an infection.
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Giant Cell Arteritis
Giant cell arteritis, or temporal arteritis, describes inflammation in the walls of arteries. Most often the inflammation occurs in the cranial branches of the carotid artery that supply the head. Symptoms of giant cell arteritis include headaches, jaw pain when chewing, and low-grade fever.
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What Is Kawasaki Disease?
Kawasaki disease is a rare children's disease characterized by a fever that lasts more than five days and at least four of the following five symptoms are present: rash, swollen neck lymph gland, red tongue, swelling or redness of the hands or feet, and conjunctivitis. High doses of aspirin are used to treat Kawasaki disease. Cortisone and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used during treatment.
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Why Are Menstrual Migraines So Bad? Where Do They Hurt?
Menstrual migraines involve a drop in estrogen levels before your period and an altered pain perception, which results in excruciating headache pain.
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What Are Symptoms of a Silent Migraine?
Silent migraine occurs when migraine symptoms occur without the headache. Visual aura and dizziness are the most common symptoms of a silent migraine.
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Migraine vs. Headache: Differences and Similarities
Headaches are the most common reason why a person goes to the doctor or other healthcare professional for treatment. There are different types of headaches, for example, migraine, tension, and cluster headaches. The most common type of headache is tension headache. Migraine is much less common. There are few similarities between migraine and other headaches, for example, the severity of the pain can be the same, mild, moderate, or severe; and they can occur on one side or both sides of the head. However, there are many differences between migraine and other types of headaches. Migraine headaches also have different names, for example, migraine with aura and menstrual migraine. Symptoms of migraine that usually aren't experienced by a person with another type of headache include nausea, vomiting, worsens with mild exercise, debilitating pain, eye pain, throbbing head pain. Migraine trigger include light, mild exercise, strong smells, certain foods like red wine, aged cheese, smoked meats, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, alcohol, and dairy products, menstrual period, stress, oversleeping, and changes in barometric pressure. Untreated migraine attacks usually last from 4 to 72 hours, but may last for weeks. Most headaches resolve within 24-48 hours. Doctors don't know exactly what causes migraine headaches; however, other headaches like tension headaches have more specific triggers and causes. Additional tests usually are required to diagnose migraine from other types of headaches, diseases, or other medical problems. Most headaches can be treated and cured with home remedies like essential oils, massage, and over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn) or ibuprofen (Advil, Midol, Motrin). Most headaches resolve with OTC and home remedy treatment, while your doctor may need to prescribe medication to treat your migraines. If you have the "worst headache of your life," seek medical care immediately.
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Eosinophilic Fasciitis (Shulman's Syndrome)
Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a rare disease that leads to inflammation and thickening of the skin and fascia underneath. In patients with eosinophilic fasciitis, the involved fascia is inflamed with the eosinophil type of white blood cells. This leads to symptoms of progressive thickening and often redness, warmth, and hardness of the skin surface.
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Giant Platelet Syndrome (Bernard-Soulier Disease)
Giant Platelet Syndrome (Bernard-Soulier Disease) is a rare inherited bleeding disorder caused by a defect in the platelet glycoprotein complex 1b-IX-V. Symptoms and signs include bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and problems with anything that induces bleeding, such as surgery, ulcers, trauma, and menstruation. Treatment involves avoiding medications that interfere with clot formation, such as naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. People with Bernard-Soulier syndrome should avoid contact sports.
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Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a disorder of the immune system that is characterized by excessive clotting of blood and/or certain complications of pregnancy.
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Morton's Neuroma
A Morton's neuroma is an inflamed nerve between the bones at the ball of the foot. Symptoms include a burning, sharp pain on the bottom of the foot. Treatment involves resting the foot, wearing better-fitting shoes, ice packs, and cortisone injection.
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What Does a COVID-19 Headache Feel Like?
COVID-19 headache may feel like a pulsing, pressing, or stabbing pain.
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Can Fall Allergies Cause Sinus Headaches?
Fall allergies can cause symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and sinus headache. Learn more about causes, treatment, and prevention of fall allergies.
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Reye Syndrome
Reye's syndrome (RS or Reye syndrome) is a sudden, sometimes fatal, disease of the brain with degeneration of the liver. Reye syndrome is associated with giving children medications containing aspirin. Symptoms include vomiting, listlessness, irritability or combativeness, confusion, delirium, delusions, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. Treatment depends on early diagnosis and focuses on protecting the brain against irreversible damage by reducing brain swelling, reversing the metabolic injury, preventing complications in the lungs, and anticipating cardiac arrest.
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Headaches in Children
Kids get headaches and migraines too. Many adults with headaches started having them as kids, in fact, 20% of adult headache sufferers say their headaches started before age 10, and 50% report their headaches started before age 20.
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Essential Mixed Cryoglobulinemia
Essential mixed cryoglobulinemia is a condition caused by abnormal blood proteins called cryoglobulins. Cryoglobulins may or may not cause disease. Cryoglobulins can accompany another condition (such as dermatomyositis, multiple myeloma, viral infections, or lymphoma) or be an isolated condition themselves, called cryoglobulinemia.
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How Is Episodic Migraine Treated? Acute, How Long It Lasts
An episodic migraine can last between four hours to three days and may require the following treatment options.
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How Common Are Episodic Migraines?
Episodic migraines are characterized by 1-14 migraine headaches per month and are fairly common, affecting about 14% of the population.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Headaches FAQs
- Rheumatoid Arthritis FAQs
- Heart Disease FAQs
- Migraine Headaches FAQs
- Migraine Headache Treatment
- The Worst Headache of Your Life: Brain Hemorrhage Symptoms
- Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely
- Headache: Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Headaches
- Drugs: The Most Common Medication Errors
- Medication Disposal
- Vestibular Migraine and Janet Jackson
- tissue valve and taking aspirin?
- Pain Management Over-The-Counter
- Gout & Aspirin
- Diabetes - An Aspirin A Day
- Pharmacy Visit, How To Get The Most Out of Your Visit
- Indications for Drugs: Approved vs. Non-approved
- Does Aspirin Make Ulcers Worse?
- Can Headaches Be a Sign of Throat Cancer?
- How to Treat Rebound Headaches
- Does Aspirin Cause Gout?
- Nosebleeds: First Aid
- Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names?
Medications & Supplements
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- aspirin - oral, Easprin, Ecotrin
- carisoprodol/aspirin - oral, Soma Compound
- aspirin chewable - oral, Children's Aspirin
- codeine/carisoprodol/aspirin - oral, Soma Compound with Codeine
- codeine/butalbital/aspirin/caffeine - oral, Fiorinal with Codeine #3
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Drug Interactions
- codeine (for Pain)
- Norgesic (orphenadrine citrate, aspirin and caffeine)
- naproxen
- OTC Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
- choline magnesium salicylate, Trilisate
- aspirin
- Types of Migraine Headache Medications
- acetaminophen/aspirin
- Fiorinal with Codeine (butalbital, aspirin, caffeine, and codeine phosphate)
- methocarbamol/aspirin - oral
- salsalate, Amigesic, Salflex, Argesic-SA, Marthritic, Salsitab, Artha-G
- Aspirin Therapy (Guidelines for Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention)
- Percodan (aspirin and oxycodone hydrochloride)
- butalbital/aspirin/caffeine - oral, Fiorinal
- aspirin gum - oral, Aspergum
- orphenadrine/aspirin/caffeine - oral, Norgesic
- ticlopidine, Ticlid (discontinued brand in the US)
- dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)
- narcotic analgesic/aspirin/caffeine - oral
- aspirin suppository - rectal
- aspirin/dipyridamole sustained-release - oral, Aggrenox
- teriflunomide (Aubagio)
- valdecoxib, Bextra
- Yosprala (aspirin and omeprazole)
Prevention & Wellness
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