25/07/2022
Indications: • Mild and moderate pain (headache, toothache, joint
and muscle pain, dysmenorrhoea, migraine) • Fever • Antiinflammatory and pain-relief in rheumatic diseases • Anticoagulation to prevent myocardial infarction or stroke in patients
with angina, atrial fibrillation and after myocardial infarction.
In children under 6 years, use paracetamol instead of
acetylsalicylic acid because of risk of Reye’s syndrome
(acute encephalopathy and liver failure).
Ac e t yl s a l ic yl i c
a c i d *
(Aspirin)
Tablets 100, 300 and 500 mg ORAL PAIN or FEVER (low dose)
Children
(6–12 months 75 mg)
(1–5 years 150 mg up to 4 times daily)
6–12 years 250–300 mg up to 4 times daily
Adults 500–600 mg up to 4 times daily
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY (high dose)
6–12 years 500 mg 3–4 times daily
Adults 500–1000 mg 3–4 times daily
ANTICOAGULATION
Adults 100 mg once daily for life-time
Contra-indications:
Contra-indicated in patients with previous gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding. Contra-indicated
in allergy to other NSAIDs (non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs: diclofenac, ibuprofen,
indomethacin). Avoid in asthma and children
under 6 years.
Pregnancy:
Contra-indicated during the last 3 months before
delivery because of an increased risk of bleeding,
delayed onset and increased duration of labour.
Use paracetamol in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding:
Avoid, occasional low doses are safe to give.
Side effects:
Occult (unrecognised) gastro-intestinal bleeding, epigastric pain, nausea,
asthma. Dizziness and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) are signs of toxicity:
reduce the dosage.
Interactions:
Do not combine with other NSAIDs (diclofenac, ibuprofen,
indomethacin) or corticosteroids because of increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Do not give with probenecid.