Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a salicylate. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. Because of its antiplatelet effect, it is also widely used as a cardiovascular preventative. Note: Aspirin is strictly contraindicated in children and teenagers recovering from viral infections (like chickenpox or flu) due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
Dosage by Body Weight
Adult dose for pain/fever is 325 mg to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 4000 mg per day. Low-dose preventative therapy is typically 81 mg daily. Take with food or a full glass of water to minimize stomach upset. Do not give to children or teenagers unless specifically prescribed by a physician.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not administer
- Tracking Notes
- Strictly contraindicated in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not administer
- Tracking Notes
- Strictly contraindicated in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not administer
- Tracking Notes
- Strictly contraindicated in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not administer
- Tracking Notes
- Strictly contraindicated in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not administer
- Tracking Notes
- Strictly contraindicated in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | Do not administer | Strictly contraindicated in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. |
| 5-7 kg | Not recommended | Do not administer | Strictly contraindicated in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. |
| 8-10 kg | Not recommended | Do not administer | Strictly contraindicated in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. |
| 11-15 kg | Not recommended | Do not administer | Strictly contraindicated in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. |
| 16-20 kg | Not recommended | Do not administer | Strictly contraindicated in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to reduce fever, relieve mild to moderate pain (such as headache, muscle aches, toothache), and decrease inflammation. In low doses, it is used to prevent blood clots, reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Generic Name
Acetylsalicylic AcidBranded Drug Names
Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.