Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking aspirin as follows:
- For individuals with increased risk for presenting with gastrointestinal upset and burning sensation in the stomach, aspirin could also be administered as an enteric-coated tablet. This coating helps with preventing the symptoms of stomach upset, from aspirin intake. Swallow the enteric-coated tablet as a whole, using a glass of water.
- Aspirin can interact with a lot of medications and OTC products, leading to serious drug interactions and side-effects. Discuss with your physician regarding all your current medications and their safety with aspirin, if you are newly being prescribed aspirin. Discuss with your physician regarding your safety with regards to continuing on aspirin, if you are newly diagnosed with any other health conditions and being started on any new medications.
- Do not take aspirin with alcohol, as alcohol can increase the effects of blood thinner and consequently, make the blood extra thin, thus resulting episodes of hemorrhage and bleeding. Also, alcohol can potentiate the gastric upset caused by aspirin and increase the chances for irritation of stomach lining and formation of gastric ulcers.
- Aspirin can interact with antidepressant medications, resulting in severe gastrointestinal upset, burning sensation in the stomach, and can result in formation of gastric ulcers. So, avoid taking any antidepressants along with aspirin.
