TYPES:
- Anacin, Ascriptin, Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin *, Excedrin, Halfprin * and many others
- Ticlid - antiplatelet agent
BASIC ACTION: Decreases the adhesiveness (stickiness) of the blood. This helps to prevent blood clots from forming in the arteries.
USES:
- Before (preventative) or after a heart attack
- After coronary artery bypass graft surgery or PTCA
- After Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA)
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:
- Bleeding time may be prolonged
- Ringing in the ears (with high doses)
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Ulcers (with high doses)
- Bruising
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- Take with food, milk, antacid or large glass of water to reduce side effects.
- Take an aspirin substitute, such as Tylenol, if needing a pain reliever for headache, fever, etc. Daily doses of aspirin are prescribed for the blood-clotting effect, not for the relief of pain.
* Do not crush or chew enteric-coated products. Swallow whole.