Active ingredient
- aspirin
Legal Category
POM: Prescription only medicine
POM: Prescription only medicine
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from this version because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged.
Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information Leaflet. The original can be viewed in PDF format using the link above.
The text only version may be available from RNIB in large print, Braille or audio CD. For further information call RNIB Medicine Leaflet Line on 0800 198 5000. The product code(s) for this leaflet is: PL 00142/5083R.
Aspirin Tablets 300mg (POM)
PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET
Aspirin 300mg tablets
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.
Index
1 What Aspirin tablets are and what they are used for
2 Before you take
3 How to take
4 Possible side effects
5 How to store
6 Further information
1 What Aspirin tablets are and what they are used for
Aspirin tablets belong to a group of medicines which have analgesic (pain relieving), anti-inflammatory (inflammation reducing) and antipyretic (temperature reducing) properties.
These tablets may be used for the relief of:
The tablets may also be used to prevent blood clots especially after a heart attack or in patients with unstable angina or reduced blood flow in the brain.
2 Before you take
Do not take Aspirin tablets and tell your doctor if you have:
Important warning:
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. For this reason aspirin should not be given to children aged under 16 years, unless on the advice of a doctor e.g. for Kawasaki’s Disease.
Taking a painkiller for headaches too often or for too long can make them worse.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Aspirin tablets if you:
Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Especially:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Avoid taking Aspirin tablets during pregnancy especially in the last 3 months of pregnancy or whilst breast-feeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Surgery and tests
If you need to have an operation including having your teeth removed or blood and urine tests, tell your doctor or dentist you are taking this medicine.
3 How to take
Always take Aspirin tablets exactly as your doctor has told you.
If you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid alcohol whilst taking this medicine.
Swallow the tablets with a glass of water.
Doses:
Adults, including the elderly: 1 or 2 tablets every 3 to 4 hours as required. No more than 12 tablets in any 24 hour period.
Children under 16 years old: Not recommended.
For prevention of blood clots: 1 tablet once a day.
If you take more than you should
If you (or someone else) swallow a lot of tablets at the same time, or you think a child may have swallowed any contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an overdose include ringing in the ears, spinning sensation, fast breathing rate, changes in some of the chemicals in the body, heart failure, changes in body temperature resulting dehydration, restlessness, fits, hallucination (seeing or hearing things that are not there), headache, hearing problems, confusion, feeling or being sick, stomach pain or coma.
If you forget to take the tablets
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember it and then take the next dose at the right time. Do not take more than one dose in any 4 hour period.
4 Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Stop taking this medicine and contact a doctor immediately if you have any of the following:
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects or notice any other effects not listed:
Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people
Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people
Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people
Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data
Additional side effects in children
Aspirin may be associated with the development of a condition called Reye’s Syndrome, which causes severe liver and brain damage.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.
Also you can help to make sure that medicines remain as safe as possible by reporting any unwanted side effects via the internet at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. Alternatively you can call Freephone 0808 100 3352 (available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays to Fridays) or fill in a paper form available from your local pharmacy.
5 How to store
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store the tablets below 25°C in a dry place.
Do not use Aspirin tablets after the expiry date stated on the label/carton/bottle. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6 Further information
What Aspirin tablets contain
What Aspirin tablets look like and contents of the pack
Aspirin are white, uncoated tablets.
Pack sizes are 28 tablets.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and manufacturer
This leaflet was last revised in June 2013
AAAE6763 50707485
Whiddon Valley, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 8NS, UK
+44 (0)1271 385 200
+44 (0)1271 385 257
+44 (0)1271 346 106