Aspirin (Rectal)

Introduction:

Aspirin (AS-pir-in)

Treats minor aches, pains, headache, and fever in people who cannot take aspirin by mouth.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to aspirin. Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager who has chicken pox or symptoms of a virus or the flu, unless your doctor has told you to. If you are pregnant, you should not use this medicine during the last trimester (3 months) of pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to. You should not use this medicine if you have an active stomach ulcer or any kind of bleeding problem.

How to Use This Medicine:

Suppository

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
  • Never take rectal suppositories by mouth.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Remove the foil or wrapper from the suppository before inserting it.
  • Lie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch.
  • Keep lying down for about 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out before it melts. Then, wash your hands again.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • You may store the suppositories in the refrigerator, but do not freeze them.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Aspirin can cause stomach bleeding. Drinking alcohol can make this worse. If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take aspirin without asking your doctor. One alcoholic drink is the same as 4 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1 ounce of hard liquor (gin, whiskey, and others).
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or if you are using a pain or arthritis medicine (sometimes called "NSAIDs") such as ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Bextra®, Celebrex®, or Motrin®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have asthma, kidney problems, or a history of ulcers.
  • Aspirin can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers. If a child has behavior changes along with nausea and vomiting while using this medicine, call the child's doctor right away.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Fever.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
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