Aspirin Safety: 10 Things You Should Know

Aspirin is sold over-the-counter to treat fever, pain, and inflammation. Aspirin safety is important for arthritis patients. Aspirin must be taken according to directions. Aspirin is classified as one of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and further classified as a salicylate. There are different formulations available for aspirin. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is the generic name of aspirin and there are many other brand names.

Non-prescription, over-the-counter aspirin is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed to treat pain or fever. Aspirin tablets and caplets come in 325 mg or 500 mg strength. The enteric-coated aspirin caplets and tablets are also available in 325 mg and 500 mg strength. Also, it's easy to find aspirin tablets and caplets of 81 mg doses, because this is the dose most cardiologists recommend for patients with coronary artery disease.

• What are the safety warnings for aspirin?
• What are the potential side effects of aspirin?
• What possible drug interactions may occur with aspirin?

Knowing how to use aspirin safely decreases the chance for unwanted side effects. Safety warnings about aspirin should be respected. If you are taking the drug, here are 10 Things You Should Know About Aspirin.

Related Resources:

• The Facts of NSAIDs
• Inflammation: The Battle Within
• Arthritis Drugs: What Are My Options?
• 10 Things You Need to Know About NSAIDs
• When Are Salicylates Prescribed to Treat Arthritis?

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