Aspirin

Aspirin

Aspirin is a potent and useful NSAID but avoid its use in children and those with an aspirin allergy, and do not prescribe following a dental extraction or other minor surgery.

For mild to moderate odontogenic or inflammatory pain, an appropriate 5-day regimen is:

Aspirin Dispersible Tablets, 300 mg

Send: 40 tablets

Label: 2 tablets four times daily, preferably after food

Aspirin Dispersible Tablets, 300 mg

<16 years

Do not use in children because, rarely, it can cause Reye's syndrome‡

≥16 years

As for adults

For adults:

Aspirin Dispersible Tablets, 300 mg

Send: 40 tablets

Label: 2 tablets four times daily, preferably after food

For children:

Aspirin Dispersible Tablets, 300 mg

<16 years

Do not use in children because, rarely, it can cause Reye's syndrome‡

≥16 years

As for adults

NB:   Advise patient that aspirin can be taken at 4-hourly intervals but not to exceed the recommended daily dose. In adults and children 16 years and over, up to 3 tablets (900 mg) can be given in one dose (maximum daily dose of 4 g).

Do not prescribe aspirin following a dental extraction or other minor surgery.

Avoid use in those with a known allergy to aspirin or hypersensitivity to aspirin or any other NSAID, including those in whom attacks of asthma, angioedema, urticaria or rhinitis have been precipitated by aspirin or any other NSAID. Avoid use in patients with previous or active peptic ulcer disease and use with caution in the elderly, patients with allergic disorders, pregnant women, nursing mothers, those taking oral anticoagulants such as warfarin, those with coagulation defects, those with an inherited bleeding disorder, and those with renal, cardiac or hepatic impairment.

‡Aspirin is not licensed for use in children under 16 years.

See Contraindications & cautions - analgesics for further information about the contraindications and cautions most relevant to analgesics commonly prescribed for odontogenic pain.

Drug interactions