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Aspirin Rectal

(as' pir in)

Brand Name(s): Aspirin; also available generically

Other Name(s): Acetylsalicylic acid, ASA

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Aspirin rectal is used to reduce fever and to relieve mild to moderate pain from headaches, menstrual periods, arthritis, toothaches, and muscle aches. Aspirin is in a group of medications called salicylates. It works by stopping the production of certain natural substances that cause fever, pain, swelling, and blood clots.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Aspirin rectal comes as a suppository to use rectally. Aspirin rectal is available without a prescription, but your doctor may prescribe aspirin to treat certain conditions. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Ask a doctor before you give aspirin to your child or teenager. Aspirin may cause Reye's syndrome (a serious condition in which fat builds up on the brain, liver, and other body organs) in children and teenagers, especially if they have a virus such as chicken pox or the flu.

Many aspirin products also come in combination with other medications such as those to treat cough and cold symptoms. Check product labels carefully before using two or more products at the same time. These products may contain the same active ingredient(s) and taking or using them together could cause you to receive an overdose. This is especially important if you will be giving cough and cold medications to a child.

Stop using aspirin rectal and call your doctor if your fever lasts longer than 3 days, if your pain lasts longer than 10 days, or if the part of your body that was painful becomes red or swollen. You may have a condition that must be treated by a doctor.

To insert an aspirin suppository into the rectum, follow these steps:

  1. Wash your hands.
  2. Remove the wrapper.
  3. Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.)
  4. Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 centimeters) in infants and children and 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in adults. Hold it in place for a few moments.
  5. Remain lying down for 5 minutes to prevent the suppository from coming out.
  6. Wash your hands thoroughly and resume your normal activities.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before using aspirin rectal,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to aspirin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in the product. Ask your pharmacist or check the label on the package for a list of ingredients.

  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while using aspirin rectal. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

  • The following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with aspirin: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start using aspirin rectal. Do not start any of these medications while using aspirin rectal without discussing with your healthcare provider.

  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, frequent stuffed or runny nose, or nasal polyps (growths on the linings of the nose). If you have these conditions, there is a risk that you will have an allergic reaction to aspirin. Your doctor may tell you that you should not take aspirin.

  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease. Also, tell your doctor if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks every day.

  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Do not use aspirin doses greater than 81 mg (e.g., 325 mg) around or after 20 weeks of pregnancy, unless told to do so by your doctor. If you become pregnant while using aspirin rectal, call your doctor.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

This medication is usually used as needed. If your doctor has told you to use aspirin rectal regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Aspirin rectal may cause side effects.

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using aspirin rectal and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical attention:

  • bloody vomit
  • vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • bright red blood in stools
  • black or tarry stools
  • hives
  • rash
  • swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • ringing in the ears
  • loss of hearing

Aspirin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store aspirin suppositories in a cool place or in a refrigerator.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

  • ringing in the ears
  • loss of hearing

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about aspirin rectal.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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