Salicylates (Systemic)

Brand name(s): "Acuprin 81"

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine after meals or with food (except for enteric-coated capsules or tablets and aspirin suppositories) to lessen stomach irritation.

Take tablet or capsule forms of this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Also, do not lie down for about 15 to 30 minutes after swallowing the medicine. This helps to prevent irritation that may lead to trouble in swallowing.

For patients taking aspirin (including buffered aspirin and/or products containing caffeine):

• Do not use any product that contains aspirin if it has a strong, vinegar-like odor. This odor means the medicine is breaking down. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.
• If you are to take any medicine that contains aspirin within 7 days after having your tonsils removed, a tooth pulled, or other dental or mouth surgery, be sure to swallow the aspirin whole. Do not chew aspirin during this time.
• Do not place any medicine that contains aspirin directly on a tooth or gum surface. This may cause a burn.
• There are several different forms of aspirin or buffered aspirin tablets. If you are using:
  • chewable aspirin tablets, they may be chewed, dissolved in liquid, crushed, or swallowed whole.
  • delayed-release (enteric-coated) aspirin tablets , they must be swallowed whole. Do not crush them or break them up before taking.
  • extended-release (long-acting) aspirin tablets , check with your pharmacist as to how they should be taken. Some may be broken up (but must not be crushed) before swallowing if you cannot swallow them whole. Others should not be broken up and must be swallowed whole.

To use aspirin suppositories:

• If the suppository is too soft to insert, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or run cold water over it before removing the foil wrapper.
• To insert the suppository: First remove the foil wrapper and moisten the suppository with cold water. Lie down on your side and use your finger to push the suppository well up into the rectum.

To take choline and magnesium salicylates (e.g., Trilisate) oral solution:

• The liquid may be mixed with fruit juice just before taking.
• Drink a full glass (8 ounces) of water after taking the medicine.

To take enteric-coated sodium salicylate tablets:

• The tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not crush them or break them up before taking.

Unless otherwise directed by your medical doctor or dentist:

• Do not take more of this medicine than recommended on the label, to lessen the chance of side effects.
• Children up to 12 years of age should not take this medicine more than 5 times a day.

When used for arthritis (rheumatism), this medicine must be taken regularly as ordered by your doctor in order for it to help you. Up to 2 to 3 weeks or longer may pass before you feel the full effects of this medicine.

Dosing-

The dose of these medicines will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of capsules or tablets or teaspoonfuls of solution that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on whether you are taking a long-acting or a short-acting form of the medicine and the medical problem for which you are taking the salicylate.

For aspirin
• For short-acting tablet, chewable tablet, and delayed-release (enteric-coated) tablet oral dosage forms:
  • For pain or fever:
    • Adults and teenagers-325 to 500 milligrams (mg) every three or four hours, 650 mg every four to six hours, or 1000 mg every six hours as needed.
    • Children up to 2 years of age-Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Children 2 to 4 years of age-160 mg every four hours as needed.
    • Children 4 to 6 years of age-240 mg every four hours as needed.
    • Children 6 to 9 years of age-320 to 325 mg every four hours as needed.
    • Children 9 to 11 years of age-320 to 400 mg every four hours as needed.
    • Children 11 to 12 years of age-320 to 480 mg every four hours as needed.
  • For arthritis:
    • Adults and teenagers-A total of 3600 to 5400 mg a day, divided into several smaller doses.
    • Children-A total of 80 to 100 mg per kilogram (kg) (32 to 40 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into several smaller doses.
  • For preventing a heart attack, stroke, or other problems caused by blood clots:
    • Adults-Most people will take 81, 162.5, or 325 mg a day or 325 mg every other day. Some people taking aspirin to prevent a stroke may need as much as 1000 mg a day.
    • Children-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For chewing gum tablet dosage form:
  • For pain:
    • Adults and teenagers-2 tablets every four hours as needed.
    • Children up to 3 years of age-Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Children 3 to 6 years of age-1 tablet (227 mg) up to three times a day.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age-1 or 2 tablets (227 mg each) up to four times a day.
• For long-acting oral dosage forms (extended-release tablets):
  • For pain:
    • Adults and teenagers-1 or 2 tablets twice a day.
    • Children-The long-acting aspirin tablets are too strong for use in children.
  • For arthritis:
    • Adults and teenagers-1 or 2 tablets twice a day, at first. Your doctor will then adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children-The long-acting aspirin tablets are too strong for use in children.
• For rectal dosage form (suppositories):
  • For pain or fever:
    • Adults and teenagers-325 to 650 mg every four hours as needed.
    • Children up to 2 years of age-Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Children 2 to 4 years of age-160 mg every four hours as needed.
    • Children 4 to 6 years of age-240 mg every four hours as needed.
    • Children 6 to 9 years of age-325 mg every four hours as needed.
    • Children 9 to 11 years of age-325 to 400 mg every four hours as needed.
    • Children 11 to 12 years of age-325 to 480 mg every four hours as needed.
  • For arthritis:
    • Adults and teenagers-A total of 3600 to 5400 mg a day, divided into several smaller doses.
    • Children-A total of 80 to 100 mg per kilogram (kg) (32 to 40 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into several smaller doses.

For aspirin and caffeine
• For oral capsule dosage form:
  • For pain or fever:
    • Adults and teenagers-325 to 500 milligrams (mg) of aspirin every three or four hours, 650 mg of aspirin every four to six hours, or 1000 mg of aspirin every six hours as needed.
    • Children up to 6 years of age-Aspirin and caffeine capsules are too strong for use in children up to 6 years of age.
    • Children 6 to 9 years of age-325 mg every four hours as needed.
    • Children 9 to 12 years of age-325 to 400 mg every four hours as needed.
  • For arthritis:
    • Adults and teenagers-A total of 3600 to 5400 mg of aspirin a day, divided into several smaller doses.
    • Children-A total of 80 to 100 mg per kilogram (kg) (32 to 40 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into several smaller doses.
  • For preventing a heart attack, stroke, or other problems caused by blood clots:
    • Adults-325 mg a day or every other day. People who take smaller doses of aspirin will have to use a different product. Some people taking aspirin to prevent a stroke may need as much as 1000 mg a day.
    • Children-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For oral tablet dosage form:
  • For pain or fever:
    • Adults and teenagers-325 to 500 mg of aspirin every three or four hours, 650 mg of aspirin every four to six hours, or 1000 mg of aspirin every six hours as needed.
    • Children up to 9 years of age-Aspirin and caffeine tablets are too strong for use in children up to 9 years of age.
    • Children 9 to 12 years of age-325 to 400 mg every four hours as needed.
  • For arthritis:
    • Adults and teenagers-A total of 3600 to 5400 mg of aspirin a day, divided into several smaller doses.
    • Children-A total of 80 to 100 mg per kg (32 to 40 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into several smaller doses.
  • For preventing a heart attack, stroke, or other problems caused by blood clots:
    • Adults-325 mg a day or every other day. People who take smaller doses of aspirin will have to use a different product. Some people taking aspirin to prevent a stroke may need as much as 1000 mg a day.
    • Children-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For buffered aspirin
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For pain or fever:
    • Adults and teenagers-325 to 500 milligrams (mg) of aspirin every three or four hours, 650 mg of aspirin every four to six hours, or 1000 mg of aspirin every six hours as needed.
    • Children up to 2 years of age-Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Children 2 to 4 years of age-One-half of a 325-mg tablet every four hours as needed.
    • Children 4 to 6 years of age-Three-fourths of a 325-mg tablet every four hours as needed.
    • Children 6 to 9 years of age-One 325-mg tablet every four hours as needed.
    • Children 9 to 11 years of age-One or one and one-fourth 325-mg tablets every four hours as needed.
    • Children 11 to 12 years of age-One or one and one-half 325-mg tablets every four hours as needed.
  • For arthritis:
    • Adults and teenagers-A total of 3600 to 5400 mg of aspirin a day, divided into several smaller doses.
    • Children-A total of 80 to 100 mg per kilogram (kg) (32 to 40 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into several smaller doses.
  • For preventing a heart attack, stroke, or other problems caused by blood clots:
    • Adults-325 mg a day or every other day. People who take smaller doses of aspirin will have to use a different product. Some people taking aspirin to prevent a stroke may need as much as 1000 mg a day.
    • Children-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For buffered aspirin and caffeine
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For pain or fever:
    • Adults and teenagers-325 or 421 milligrams (mg) of aspirin every three or four hours, 650 mg of aspirin every four to six hours, or 842 mg of aspirin every six hours as needed.
    • Children up to 2 years of age-Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Children 2 to 4 years of age-One-half of a 325-mg tablet every four hours as needed.
    • Children 4 to 6 years of age-Three-fourths of a 325-mg tablet every four hours as needed.
    • Children 6 to 9 years of age-One 325-mg or 421-mg tablet every four hours as needed.
    • Children 9 to 11 years of age-One or one and one-fourth 325-mg tablets every four hours as needed.
    • Children 11 to 12 years of age-One or one and one-half 325-mg tablets, or one 421-mg tablet, every four hours as needed.
  • For arthritis:
    • Adults and teenagers-A total of 3600 to 5400 mg of aspirin a day, divided into several smaller doses.
    • Children-A total of 80 to 100 mg per kilogram (kg) (32 to 40 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into several smaller doses.
  • For preventing a heart attack, stroke, or other problems caused by blood clots:
    • Adults-162.5 or 325 mg (one-half or one 325-mg tablet) a day or 325 mg every other day. People who need smaller doses of aspirin will have to use a different product. Some people taking aspirin to prevent a stroke may need as much as 1000 mg a day.
    • Children-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For choline salicylate
• For oral dosage form (oral solution):
  • For pain or fever:
    • Adults and teenagers-One-half or three-fourths of a teaspoonful every three hours, one-half or one teaspoonful every four hours, or one or one and one-half teaspoonfuls every six hours as needed.
    • Children up to 2 years of age-Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Children 2 to 4 years of age-1.25 milliliters (mL) (one-fourth of a teaspoonful) every four hours as needed. This amount should be measured by a special dropper or measuring spoon.
    • Children 4 to 6 years of age-1.66 mL every four hours as needed. This amount should be measured by a special dropper or measuring spoon.
    • Children 6 to 11 years of age-2.5 mL (one-half of a teaspoonful) every four hours as needed. This amount should be measured by a special measuring spoon.
    • Children 11 to 12 years of age-2.5 to 3.75 mL (one-half to three-fourths of a teaspoonful) every four hours as needed. This amount should be measured by a special measuring spoon.
  • For arthritis:
    • Adults-A total of five and one-half to eight teaspoonfuls a day, divided into several smaller doses.
    • Children-A total of 0.6 to 0.7 mL per kilogram (kg) (0.25 to 0.28 mL per pound) of body weight a day, divided into several smaller doses.

For choline and magnesium salicylates
• For oral dosage forms (oral solution or tablets):
  • For pain or fever:
    • Adults and teenagers-A total of 2000 to 3000 milligrams (mg) a day, divided into two or three doses.
    • Children weighing up to 37 kilograms (kg) (about 89 pounds)-A total of 50 mg per kg (20 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into two doses.
    • Children weighing more than 37 kg (90 pounds or more)-2200 mg a day, divided into two doses.
  • For inflammation or arthritis:
    • Adults and teenagers-A total of 3000 mg a day, divided into two or three doses, to start. Your doctor will then adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children weighing up to 37 kg (about 89 pounds)-A total of 50 mg per kg (20 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into two doses.
    • Children weighing more than 37 kg (90 pounds or more)-2200 mg a day, divided into two doses.

For magnesium salicylate
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For pain:
    • Adults and teenagers-2 regular-strength tablets every four hours, up to a maximum of 12 tablets a day, or 2 extra-strength tablets every eight hours, up to a maximum of 8 tablets a day.
    • Children-Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For salsalate
• For oral dosage forms (capsules or tablets):
  • For arthritis:
    • Adults and teenagers-500 to 1000 milligrams (mg) two or three times a day, to start. Your doctor will then adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children-Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For sodium salicylate
• For oral dosage forms (tablets or delayed-release [enteric-coated] tablets):
  • For pain or fever:
    • Adults and teenagers-325 or 650 milligrams (mg) every four hours as needed.
    • Children up to 6 years of age-This medicine is too strong for use in children younger than 6 years of age.
    • Children 6 years of age and older-325 mg every four hours as needed.
  • For arthritis:
    • Adults and teenagers-A total of 3600 to 5400 mg a day, divided into several smaller doses.
    • Children-A total of 80 to 100 mg per kilogram (kg) (32 to 40 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into several smaller doses.

Missed dose-

If your medical doctor or dentist has ordered you to take this medicine according to a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage-

To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children. Overdose is very dangerous in young children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store tablets or capsules in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep liquid forms of this medicine from freezing.
• Store aspirin suppositories in a cool place. It is usually best to keep them in the refrigerator, but keep them from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Last Revised: 07/25/1995

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