Aspirin is an analgesic (painkiller) and is a medication for the relief of mild pain and fever associated with headaches, sore throats, migraines, toothache, period pains, neuralgia, colds and flu. Aspirin may also help relieve mild pain associated with Rheumatism and Arthritis.

It is important that you read and fully understand the Patient Information leaflet before purchasing this item.

Before you take this medicine

This medicine can be taken by adults and the elderly aged 16 years and over. However, some people should not take this medicine or should seek the advice of their pharmacist or doctor first. Please view the section on Ingredients and Precautions.

Usage

Dosage in adults, the elderly and children over the age of 16 years:

Take 1 to 3 tablets with water, every 4 hours. Do not take more than 4 doses in any 24 hours. A lower dose is recommended for the elderly.

When taking this medicine, it is important to remember the following:

• Do not give to children aged under 16 years unless told to by your doctor
• Do not exceed the stated dose
• Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY if you accidentally take too many tablets
• If you miss a dose, do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose
• If symptoms persist for more than 3 days consult your doctor

Do not give to children under 6 years, unless your doctor tells you to.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in these tablets is aspirin 300mg. The inactive ingredients are potato starch, lactose, and talc.

Precautions

Do not take these tablets if you:

• Are allergic to Aspirin, NSAIDs which includes those when in attacks of asthma,

angioedema, uticaria or rhinitis have been precipitated by aspirin or any other NSAID or any of the other ingredients listed in section 6

• Have a stomach ulcer or have had problems with ulcers in the past.
• Suffer from haemophilia or any other bleeding condition.
• Suffer from gout or had in the past.
• Are in the last 3 months of pregnancy or are breast feeding.

Important warning:

Do not give this medicine to children under the age of 16 unless your doctor tells you.

This is because there is a possible association between Aspirin and Reye’s Syndrome when given to children. Reye’s syndrome is a very rare disease, which can be fatal.

Take special care and tell your doctor if you:

• Are intolerant to some sugars as these tablets contain lactose
• Have asthma or have ever had it in the past
• Have dehydration
• Have been told you are deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are already taking any of the following medicines, as their effectiveness may be influenced by aspirin if they are taken at the same time.

• Metoclopramide (for sickness and digestive disorders)
• Blood thinning medicines such as Heparin, Warfarin or nicoumalone
• Corticosteroids e.g. hydrocortisone (which can be used for arthritis, asthma and inflammatory conditions)
• Anti-inflammatory medicines or steroids for pain and inflammation e.g. ibuprofen
• High blood pressure medicines e.g diuretic/water tablets, Angio-II receptor antagonists or ACE inhibitors
• Epilepsy medicines e.g. Phenytoin, Sodium valproate
• Methotrexate (for psoriasis, arthritis or tumours)
• Antacids for indigestion
• Probenecid or sulphinpyrazone for gout
• Anti depressants e.g. citalopram

Before using aspirin inform your doctor about the medicines you are taking. If you are using aspirin regularly seek advice of your doctor before taking any other medicine (including other medicines that you have bought).

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Aspirin should not be taken in the last three months of pregnancy. Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Possible Side effects when taking Aspirin 300mg tablets.

Like all medicines, aspirin can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

If you get any of these serious side effects, stop taking the tablets. See a doctor at once:

• You are sick and it contains blood or dark particles that look like coffee grounds
• Pass blood in your stools or pass black tarry stools
• Stomach problems including pain, indigestion or heartburn
• Allergic reactions such as skin rash, swelling of the face, neck or throat, worsening of asthma, difficultly in breathing
• Bleeding on the brain which may cause a severe headache or stroke

These other effects are less serious. If they bother you talk to a pharmacist:

• Feeling sick, being sick, changes to the stomach lining (swelling or ulcers)
• Increased bleeding time when you cut yourself, bleeding under the skin which may look like bruising
• Nose bleeds (if a nose bleed is severe or lasts for a long time, talk to a doctor straight away)
• Hearing problems (e.g. ringing in the ears) feeling dizzy (vertigo), feeling confused

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed here You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at:

www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this product.

Other Information

If you need more advice consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.