Drug Interactions of OTC Analgesics-Aspirin: A Review

Abstract

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin is one of the most important medicines required in basic health care system. The possibility of drug interactions with concomitant use of multiple medications is a clinically relevant issue. Many patients are unaware that over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics can cause potentially severe adverse effects when used in combination with other common medications such as anticoagulants, corticosteroids, or antihypertensive agents. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin significantly increased risk of upper abdominal gastrointestinal adverse events in patients who take traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This risk is dose dependent and additional increased in patients who take more than one NSAID or use NSAIDs in combination with certain other medications. Some NSAIDs may also alleviate the antiplatelet benefits of aspirin and may increase blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Clinicians should be aware of potential drug interactions with OTC analgesics when prescribing new medications. Additionally, patients should be properly counseled on the appropriate and safe use of OTC analgesics and make sure that they know the benefits as well as the potential risks of both prescription and overthe-counter medications they are taking.