Aspirin Dosage
Aspirin (а trademark of Bayer) belongs to a group of medicines known as salicylates. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain, to reduce fever and inflammation. So it is mainly taken in the cases of common cold, flu, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle pains, neuralgia, headache, toothache etc. It usually comes in the form of tablets or effervescent tablets taken orally. In effervescent tablets it is often combined with vitamin C and is usually used for the treatment of colds and flu. Another advantage of the effervescent tablets is that they bring relief much more quickly than standard tablets.
The dosage of aspirin in a single tablet varies according to the country and the producer ranging between 75 and 500 mg in a single tablet. In the USA the standard quantity of aspirin in one tablet is 325 mg.
Adult dosages
The usual single dosage is 300-600 mg (1-2 tablets). It should not exceed 1 gr. This dose can be administered 3 to 4 times a day at 4 -8 hour intervals. The maximum dose per day should be lower than 3 grams.
Aspirin should be taken after a meal and with plenty of water.
Adult dose in rheumatic fever
Rheumatic fever is a serious condition that can lead to heart damages. It should be treated in a hospital by specialists in this field.
Aspirin is often used in the treatment of this condition and usually in higher doses. Up to 6 grams a day can be used depending on the weight of the patient. The usual dosage is 80 mg/kg/day divided in separate doses.
Adult dose for the prophylaxis of thrombosis, heart attack or stroke
The standard dose is 75-100 mg of aspirin once a day.
Chewing a tablet of aspirin (250-325mg) is recommended immediately after a patient notices any symptoms of a beginning heart attack, such as severe chest or abdominal pain. In this case a patient should immediately call the emergency medical services.
Pediatric dose
The usage of aspirin is not recommended under the age of 15 years old as its administering is associated with a life-threatening condition known as Reye’s syndrome. It leads to continuous vomiting, encephalopathy and destructive changes in the internal organs. The risk of development of Reye’s syndrome is especially high if the child or adolescent is showing any symptoms of chickenpox or flu.
There are certain conditions in children, such as Kawasaki disease when the use of aspirin is acceptable but only under strict medical control in a hospital and if the potential benefits outweigh the risk.
Adjustment of the dose and longer interval between administering are required if a patient is suffering from any kind of liver or kidney dysfunction.
Do not take Aspirin for more than 7 days for pain or more than 3 days for fever unless prescribed by a doctor. Consult a healthcare provider if there is no relief as the symptoms may be a sign of some serious conditions.
