Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Aspirin

Generic Name: aspirin (rectal) (Pronunciation: AS pi rin)

• What is rectal aspirin (Aspirin)?
• What are the possible side effects of rectal aspirin (Aspirin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about rectal aspirin (Aspirin)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using rectal aspirin (Aspirin)?
• How should I use rectal aspirin (Aspirin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Aspirin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Aspirin)?
• What should I avoid while using rectal aspirin (Aspirin)?
• What other drugs will affect rectal aspirin (Aspirin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is rectal aspirin (Aspirin)?

Aspirin is in a group of drugs called salicylates. It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. Aspirin also reduces fever.

Rectal aspirin is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. Aspirin is also used to treat the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatic fever.

Rectal aspirin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of rectal aspirin (Aspirin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using rectal aspirin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• blood in your urine;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing;
• decreased hearing or ringing in the ears;
• seizure (convulsions); or
• dizziness, confusion, or hallucinations.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or
• rectal irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about rectal aspirin (Aspirin)?

Rectal aspirin should not be used in a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Reye's syndrome.

Do not take rectal aspirin by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

This medication comes with patient instructions for using the rectal suppository. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the rectal aspirin suppository. Try to use the medicine at a time when you can lie down afterward and hold the medicine in. Avoid using the bathroom during this time. It may be best to use this medicine at bedtime.

Remove the outer wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands.

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