Tag Archives: fever reducer

Acetylsalicylic Acid

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Acetylsalicylic Acid belongs to the group of medications called antipyretics (fever reducer), analgesics (pain reliever), platelet aggregation inhibitors (anticlotting agents) and anti-inflammatories (inflammation reducers). It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is prescribed for the treatment of conditions like:

  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid
  • Gout
  • Nerve ache
  • Toothache
  • Burn
  • Common cold
  • Fever
  • Migraine
  • Inflammation of bursa (bursitis)
  • Rheumatic Fever (as needed along with other medications)
  • Sprain, strains
  • Osteoarthritis

Its antiplatelet properties can also be used for the prevention of:

  • Cerebral Infarction
  • Myocardial Infarction
  • Transient Ischemic Attack or mini-stroke
  • Nonfatal heart attack among patients who are at risk of having a heart attack
  • Second heart attack or stroke
  • Pre-Eclampsia
  • Complications or death in people with unstable angina
  • Blood clot for patients who have had a total hip replacement

It may also be used after a dental and surgical procedure. It may also decrease the risk of certain types of cancer especially colorectal cancer.

How to use Acetylsalicylic Acid?

This drug is available in tablet, quick chew tablet, capsule, oral powder for suspension and rectal suppository. The recommended dose varies widely based on the condition being treated. It is also based on the severity of your condition, your age, weight and your other medical conditions. It is important to take this medication exactly as directed. Do not change your dose or double up your dose without talking to your doctor. For a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember.

What are the side effects of Acetylsalicylic Acid?

Some of the side effects of this drug are:

  • Indigestion or heartburn
  • Stomach cramps, discomfort or pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Signs of bleeding like coughing of blood, nosebleed and cuts that don’t stop bleeding

Serious side effects are:

  • Severe allergic reactions like difficulty breathing, swelling of face and throat
  • Hearing loss
  • Stomach bleeding with symptoms like vomiting and spitting of blood, black and bloody stool

Stop taking this medication right away in serious side effects occurs. Seek medical attention immediately.

Important Information

  • This drug may increase your risk from bleeding due to its antiplatelet properties. Talk to your doctor about this especially if you are taking anticoagulant medications.
  • Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages if you are taking this medication.
  • Acetylsalicylic Acid may increase the uric acid level which causes gout to flare up.
  • Patients with reduced kidney function and liver problems must take this medication with caution.
  • Use this drug with caution if you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother.

Acetaminophen

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Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer medication. It is used to treat mild to severe pain in conjunction with opiates or to reduce fever. Acetaminophen reduces pain and fever quickly caused by a headache, osteoarthritis, muscle ache, backache, toothache, cold and fever. It may also be used for the purposes as determined by the physician. This drug belongs to the analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretics (forever reducer) group of drugs. Unlike other ASA or acetylsalicylic acid, this drug inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins that transmit pain signals to the brain. It only blocks the signaling of pain but it does not have an anti-inflammatory action. Acetaminophen is available over-the-counter and as a prescription drug in various dosages.

How To Use Acetaminophen?

Use this medication as directed on the label or as prescribed by your physician. The recommended doses are as follow:

  • For an adult and teenagers weighing at least 100 pounds should not exceed more than 1000 mg at a time or more than 4000 mg in a day.
  • Children below 12 years of age should not take more than 5 doses in 24 hours. Use Acetaminophen exactly as directed. Do not take more than what is prescribed or written on the label.
  • For children less than 2 years of age, use the pediatric dose with the special dose-measuring dropper. Follow the dosing instructions carefully.
  • There is also Acetaminophen available for an infant which comes with its own oral syringe or medicine dropper.

For liquid suspension, shake the bottle first before using. For chewable tablets, chew the tablet first before swallowing.

What are the side effects of Acetaminophen?

Common side effects are:

  • Stomach pain
  • Rash
  • Dark urine
  • Headache

Serious side effects are:

  • Liver damage with signs like jaundice, loss of appetite, unusual bleeding and bruising and clay-colored stools
  • Severe dizziness
  • Allergic reaction
  • Trouble breathing
  • Itching, swelling

Seek medical attention right away if you will experience any of the serious side effects listed.

Important Information

  • Stop using the medication if
    • You still have pain after 7 days of treatment for an adult or 5 days of treatment for a child
    • You have skin rashes, on-going headache
    • Your symptoms get worse
    • You still have a fever after 3 days of use
  • Use this product with caution  in patients with G6PD and chronic malnutrition
  • Do not take this drug if you are allergic to its active ingredient