Is 325 mg Aspirin as effective for fever reduction?
Anika H. Ahmed, MD
Aspirin is a salicylate and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is commonly used to reduce fevers, mild muscular aches and pains, headaches, toothaches, or mild flu-like symptoms. To reduce a fever, it can be taken in a dose between 325 mg (milligram) and 1000 mg every four to six hours as needed. The dose of Aspirin should not exceed 4 grams (4,000 mg) over a 24-hour period as that is the maximum safe dose allowed. So, a mild dose of 325 mg can be effective in reducing fever but may need to be repeated every four to six hours. However, Aspirin must be used carefully and is not recommended for COVID-19 patients, as it can lead to complications.
The following must be kept in mind when taking Aspirin:
1) It should be ensured that there are no other medications being taken by the patient in addition that contain aspirin in combination with other drugs. Many painkillers, anti-inflammatories and decongestants, and various flu remedies contain in their formula some Aspirin also. If combined with 325 mg of Aspirin for fever reduction, these can trigger severe adverse reactions, the most serious being clotting disorders.
2) Aspirin can be taken only by adults and children over 16 years of age. If taken by children under 16 years old, it can lead to a serious condition known as Reye’s Syndrome. Reye’s Syndrome is a rare but fatal condition leading to the swelling of the liver and brain, with adverse consequences. It is most commonly seen in children recovering from a viral infection, usually the flu or chicken pox. Scientists have found that even a total dose of less than 45 mg of Aspirin per kg (kilogram, about 2.2 pounds) of body weight can increase the risk of Reye’s Syndrome twenty-fold. This led the scientists to conclude that any amount of Aspirin is unsafe in a child with a viral infection, regardless of the dose.
3) Aspirin can cause an adverse reaction, more so in patients with Asthma. Immediately stop taking Aspirin if there are any breathing difficulties and contact your doctor on a telemedicine platform for easy, fast, and effective management.
4) Aspirin does have the side effects of an upset stomach, ulceration, and bleeding. All patients with gastrointestinal symptoms must avoid Aspirin to prevent adverse complications.
5) All patients with liver, kidney, and respiratory diseases should avoid taking 325 mg of Aspirin for reducing fever.
Because of all these complications Aspirin is not recommended for COVID-19 patients. For use in other non-viral cases, make sure Aspirin is stored in a cool, dry, and dark place and is not within the reach of children. In any case overdose of Aspirin or accidental use of Aspirin can be fatal and must be managed immediately. Contact your doctor fast on a virtual platform and actually show the exact bottle of Aspirin used in such a situation, so that the resulting complications can be managed accordingly.