*** Please Note***
The information and instructions on the following pages should not replace those given to you by your doctor.
Do not give aspirin if your child (or teenager) has the chicken pox or flu symptoms.
How does the medication work?
Aspirin treats mild to moderate pain, fever, infections and lowers the risk of a heart attack if a person is experiencing chest pains or had had a heart attack in the past.
When shouldn’t I administer the medication?
Do not give your child aspirin if he has a known allergy to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or salicylates. Please consult your doctor about an medical problem, especially if your child suffers from hemophilia, bleeding ulcers or if he is taking other types of drugs.
Aspirin is also called genprin, empirin, ecotrin, easprin, entrophen, coated aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, asatab, asaphen and halfprin.
Aspirin should be kept at room temperature (77 degrees F; 25 degrees C). Keep the box out of reach of children. Do not use the medication if it is past its expiration date. Aspirin must be together with a glass of water, during or after a meal.
Children between 2-12: 10-15 mg (per kilogram) every 4 hours
Children over the age of 12: 324-1000 mg. every 4-6 hours. The maximum dose for 24 hours is 4000 mg
Children with Rheumatic Disease: 90-130 mg (per kilogram) per day, divided into doses (every 6-8 hours)
What should I do if my child forgot to take the medication on time?
If you or your child is taking the medication to prevent a heart attack or stroke, take the dose immediately when you remember. If you remember within the hour that you are supposed to take the next dose, skip the forgotten dose. Do not double the next dose to make up for the forgotten one. If the medication is taken to reduce pain, it should only be taken when needed; do not take more than the recommended dose.
When should I stop giving my child aspirin?
Follow the recommended treatment given by your doctor. If you are administering the medication to treat pain, do not give more than the recommended dose.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects can include dizziness, ringing in the ears, bleeding, difficulty swallowing, nausea and possible allergic reactions.
When should I call my doctor?
Call your doctor any time your child’s condition worsens; he experiences severe side effects; continued stomach pains; excessive bleeding or ringing in the ears. For any of those situations, call your doctor immediately.
Are there any special instructions?
Aspirin should always be taken with or after a meal, and always with a glass of water. If the child is taking antacids, make sure to give the antacids at least an hour after the aspirin. Avoid giving aspirin if your child has chicken pox without consulting your doctor first.