Basic Information
- Habit forming? No
- Prescription needed? Yes, for some.
- Available as generic? Yes, for some.
- Drug class: Anti-inflammatory (non-steroidal)
Uses
- Treatment for joint pain, stiffness, inflammation and
swelling of arthritis and gout.
- Pain reliever.
- Treatment for dysmenorrhea (painful or difficult menstruation).
- Treats juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Dosage & Usage Information
How to take:
Tablet or capsule--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach
irritation. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and
take with liquid or food. Don't crumble delayed release tablet.
Liquid--Take as directed on bottle. Don't freeze.
Rectal suppositories--Remove wrapper and moisten suppository
with water. Gently insert into rectum, large end first. If
suppository is too soft, chill in refrigerator or cool water
before removing wrapper.
When to take:
At the same times each day.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than
2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What drug does:
Reduces tissue concentration of prostaglandins (hormones which
produce inflammation and pain).
Time lapse before drug works:
Begins in 4 to 24 hours. May require 3 weeks regular use for
maximum benefit.
Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Overdose
SYMPTOMS:
Confusion, agitation, severe headache, incoherence, convulsions,
possible hemorrhage from stomach or intestine, coma.
WHAT TO DO:
- Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance
or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
- See EMERGENCY information.
Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects
Life-threatening:
Hives, rash, intense Seek emergency treatment immediately.
itching, faintness soon after a dose (anaphylaxis in aspirin-sensitive
persons).
Common:
- Dizziness, nausea, pain.
- Headache.
Infrequent:
- Depression; drowsiness; ringing in ears; swollen feet,
face or legs; consti- pation or diarrhea; vomiting; gaseousness;
dry mouth; tremors; insomnia.
- Muscle cramps, numb- ness or tingling in hands or feet,
mouth ulcers, rapid weight gain.
Rare:
- Convulsions; confusion; rash, hives or itch; blurred vision;
black, bloody, tarry stool; difficult breathing; tightness
in chest; rapid heart- beat; unusual bleeding or bruising;
blood in urine; jaundice; psychosis; frequent, painful urination;
fainting; sore throat; fever; chills; diminished hearing;
eye pain; nose- bleeds; severe abdominal pain.
- Fatigue, weakness, menstrual irregularities.
Warnings & Precautions
Don't take if:
- You are allergic to aspirin or any non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory
drug.
- You have gastritis, peptic ulcer, enteritis, ileitis,
ulcerative colitis, asthma, heart failure, high blood pressure
or bleeding problems.
- Patient is younger than 15.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
- If you have epilepsy.
- If you have Parkinson's disease.
- If you have been mentally ill.
- If you have impaired kidney or liver function.
Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and
severe than in younger persons.
Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Decide with
your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.
Breast-feeding:
May harm child. Avoid.
Infants & children:
Not recommended for anyone younger than 15. Use only under
medical supervision.
Prolonged use:
- Eye damage.
- Reduced hearing.
- Sore throat, fever.
- Weight gain.
- Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical
examinations or laboratory studies to check complete blood
counts (white blood cell count, platelet count, red blood
cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit), liver function, stools
for blood, eyes.
Skin & sunlight:
Possible increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine
affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't
climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if
you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and
reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives,
pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.
Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting your doctor. Dose may
require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long
time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.
Others:
Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take
this medicine.
Possible Interaction with Other Drugs
