Aspirin, a widely recognized prescription and over-the-counter medication, has been a trusted companion for many seeking relief from pain and inflammation. With its origins dating back to ancient times, aspirin has stood the test of time, proving its effectiveness in a variety of medical conditions. However, like all medications, aspirin comes with its set of side effects.
In this blog, we will explore the side effects of aspirin, categorized into common, less common, serious, and rare effects. Understanding these side effects is essential for informed and safe usage of this medication. It’s important to remember that the information provided here is for reference and should not replace professional medical advice.
Common Side Effects
More Common
- Upset stomach (15%)
- Heartburn (8%)
- Nausea (9%)
- Vomiting (6%)
- Gastric irritation (5%)
Less Common
- Abdominal pain (3%)
- Diarrhea (4%)
- Constipation (2%)
- Headache (3%)
Serious Side Effects
Aspirin is generally safe when taken as directed, but it can lead to serious side effects, especially with prolonged or high-dose usage. Contact a healthcare professional immediately if you experience the following:
- Gastrointestinal bleeding: Symptoms may include vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material, black tarry stools, or bright red blood in stools.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears): This can be an early sign of aspirin toxicity and should not be ignored.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to aspirin can manifest as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Rare Side Effects
While rare, these side effects can be severe and require immediate medical attention:
- Severe allergic reactions: Indicated by severe difficulty breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, and a sudden drop in blood pressure.
- Reye’s syndrome (associated with viral illnesses in children and teenagers): Symptoms include vomiting, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Side Effects Not Known
- Abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or burning
- Black, tarry stools
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Change in consciousness
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Convulsions, severe or continuing
- Dark urine
- Decreased frequency or amount of urine
- Diarrhea
- Difficult breathing
- Drowsiness
- Fainting
- Fast breathing
- Feeling that something terrible will happen
- Fever
- General tiredness and weakness
- Greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Increased thirst
- Indigestion
- Irregular heartbeat
- Light-colored stools
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of consciousness
- Lower back or side pain
- Muscle cramping and weakness
- Muscle tremors
- Nausea or vomiting
- Nervousness
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
- Panic
- Rapid, deep breathing
- Restlessness
- Seizures
- Skin rash
- Stomach cramps
- Swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Upper right abdominal or stomach pain
- Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Weakness or heaviness of the legs
- Weight gain
- Yellow eyes and skin
- Acid or sour stomach
- Anxiety
- Belching
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Hyperventilation
- Irritability
- Shaking
- Stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
Symptoms of Aspirin Overdose
An overdose of a substance may lead to a range of concerning signs and symptoms. These may include uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, confusion, an abnormally excited mood, and hallucinations, where individuals may see things or hear voices that aren’t actually present. Seizures, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness for a period of time are also potential indicators of an overdose.
Physiological symptoms can manifest as well, such as a burning pain in the throat or stomach, vomiting, decreased urination, fever, and restlessness. Additionally, mental and emotional symptoms might be present, including irritability, fear, nervousness, dizziness, and double vision. If any of these signs and symptoms are observed, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention as an overdose can be a serious medical emergency.
Categorize the Side Effects of Aspirin Based on Various Body Systems
Gastrointestinal
- Dyspepsia (1% to 10%)
- GI bleeding, ulceration, perforation, nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis, gastric irritation, GI erosions, gastritis, melena, hematemesis, gingival bleeding
Renal
- Interstitial nephritis, papillary necrosis, renal insufficiency and failure
Hepatic
- Transient elevations of hepatic enzymes, hepatitis, Reye’s syndrome, hepatic insufficiency
Metabolic
- Thirst, dehydration, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, salt and water retention
Cardiovascular
- Hemorrhagic vasculitis (0.01% to 0.1%)
- Dysrhythmias, hypotension, tachycardia
Nervous system
- Cerebral edema, coma headache, subdural or intracranial hemorrhage, seizures, lethargy, dizziness
Hematologic
- Increased bleeding tendencies (1% to 10%)
- Aplastic anemia agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia (0.01% to 0.1%)
- Prolongation of prothrombin time, disseminated intravascular coagulation, coagulopathy, antepartum and postpartum bleeding, anemia
Hypersensitivity
- Anaphylactic reactions including shock (0.01% to 0.1%)
- Urticaria, angioedema, skin rashes
Dermatologic
- Urticaria (0.1% to 1%)
- Steven-Johnson syndrome, Lyell’s syndrome, erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme
- Purpura, hives (0.01% to 0.1%)
Musculoskeletal
- Rhabdomyolysis
Respiratory
- Hyperpnea, pulmonary edema, tachypnea, epistaxis, dyspnea, bronchospasm, asthma
Genitourinary
- Menorrhagia (0.01% to 0.1%)
- Proteinuria
Psychiatric
- Agitation
- Confusion
Other
- Fever, hypothermia, hearing loss, tinnitus (at high doses), hearing disturbances
General
- Indigestion, dyspepsia, bleeding, and bruising
Long Term Effects of Aspirin
Long-term or high-dose aspirin usage may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems. It is crucial to use aspirin as directed by a healthcare provider and to be aware of these potential complications, especially in cases of extended usage.
Side Effects of Aspirin During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
When considering the presence of aspirin in breast milk, it is essential for mothers to make a thoughtful decision about whether to continue breastfeeding or discontinue the use of the drug. This decision should take into account the significance of aspirin for the mother’s health.
During pregnancy, the use of aspirin should be approached with caution, particularly during the first and second trimesters. It’s important to carefully weigh the potential benefits of aspirin against the possible risks. This caution arises from the fact that while there are animal studies indicating potential risks, human studies are either unavailable or have not been conducted to provide a clear picture of the situation.
In the third trimester of pregnancy, aspirin should only be considered in life-threatening emergencies when there are no safer alternatives accessible. This is because there is clear and positive evidence of potential fetal risk associated with aspirin use during this stage of pregnancy. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that pregnant patients do not use aspirin during the final three months of pregnancy unless explicitly directed to do so by a doctor. Using aspirin during this period can lead to complications in the unborn child or during the delivery process.
Side Effects of Aspirin in Pediatric (Children)
Doctors generally do not recommend the use of aspirin in individuals who are under the age of 18. This precaution is primarily due to the potential risk of increasing the chances of a severe condition known as Reye’s syndrome. Reye’s syndrome can manifest following viral infections such as colds, the flu, or chickenpox and can lead to permanent brain damage or even be fatal.
However, in specific situations and under clinical supervision, a healthcare provider may prescribe aspirin to a child. This may occur in cases of conditions like Kawasaki disease or as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of blood clot formation following heart surgery.
Side Effects of Aspirin in Geriatric Age (Elderly individuals)
Elderly individuals may be more susceptible to the gastrointestinal side effects of aspirin, such as bleeding and ulcers. It’s important for healthcare providers to carefully assess the risk versus benefit of aspirin use in the elderly, particularly if they have a history of gastrointestinal problems or are taking other medications that can interact with aspirin. Regular monitoring is essential to detect and address any adverse effects promptly.
Contact your healthcare provider for guidance regarding any potential side effects. You can also report side effects to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by calling 1-800-FDA-1088. Information is also available online at poisonhelp.org
Nevertheless, if you are experiencing severe symptoms, please do not hesitate to dial 911 (or your Local Emergency Number) immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency room for immediate medical attention. Your safety and well-being are paramount.
