Aspirin

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat mild to moderate pain, to reduce inflammation and to reduce fever. It may also be used to treat thromboembolic disease (blood clots) in cats. Cats, in particular, can easily be overdosed with aspirin. NEVER GIVE aspirin to your cat without first consulting your veterinarian.

Aspirin is not available as a veterinary preparation. There is a veterinary aspirin formulation, but most formulations are registered for humans. However, veterinarians can prescribe aspirin for companions animals.

How do I give this medication?

- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

- Give this medication after meals or with food. 

- Have water available for your pet.

- Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.

- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.

- Try not to miss giving any doses.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

- Your veterinarian may need to monitor your pet's blood to check for abnormalities.

- Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinarian if you think your pet may be pregnant.

- Your pet may experience some stomach upset, which may lead to vomiting and/or loss of appetite. If these symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian.

- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarianwhat other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.

- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.