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Aspirin (rectal)

Generic name: aspirin (rectal) [ AS-pi-rin ]
Dosage form: rectal suppository (300 mg)
Drug classes: Platelet aggregation inhibitors, Salicylates

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 14, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is rectal aspirin?

Aspirin is a salicylate.

Rectal aspirin (for use in the rectum) is used to treat fever or to relieve minor aches, pains, and headaches.

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

Rectal aspirin side effects

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

Rectal aspirin may cause serious side effects. Stop using rectal aspirin and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common serious side effects may include 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.

Aspirin side effects (more detail)

Warnings

Follow all directions on the label and package. Use exactly as directed.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Aspirin if you are allergic to aspirin or an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

Do not give rectal aspirin to a child younger than 12 years old without medical advice. Using this medicine in a child or teenager with flu symptoms or chickenpox can cause a serious or fatal condition called Reye's syndrome.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Using aspirin during late pregnancy may cause bleeding in the mother or the baby during delivery.

How should I use rectal aspirin?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take by mouth. Rectal medicine is for use only in the rectum.

Read and follow all Instructions for Use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help.

Remove the wrapper before inserting a suppository.

Lie on your back with your knees bent. Gently insert the suppository into your rectum as far as possible, pointed tip first.

Stay lying down for a few minutes. You should feel no discomfort while the suppository melts. Avoid using the bathroom for at least an hour.

Do not use this medicine for longer than 10 days. Call your doctor if you still have a fever after 3 days, if you still have pain after 10 days, or if you have any redness, swelling or new symptoms.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using rectal aspirin.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.

Store suppositories at cool room temperature or in a refrigerator.

Detailed Aspirin dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Rectal aspirin is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, especially if anyone has swallowed the medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include headache, severe drowsiness, thirst, vomiting, breathing problems, hallucinations, muscle twitching, or seizure.

What should I avoid while using rectal aspirin?

Ask your doctor before using rectal aspirin if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask a pharmacist before using over-the-counter medicines that may contain ingredients similar to aspirin (such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

What other drugs will affect rectal aspirin?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using rectal aspirin with any other medications, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect rectal aspirin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Aspirin drug interactions (more detail)

Popular FAQ

Aspirin may help menstrual pain. It is in a group of drugs called salicylates. It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. Aspirin is used to treat mild to moderate pain, and also to reduce fever or inflammation. It is best taken with food and a glass of water.

Even though aspirin and Ibuprofen are both NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and work similarly, there are several differences between the two drugs and they are not considered interchangeable. Continue reading

Yes, it is safe for most people to take tramadol with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin if they are old enough (aspirin is not recommended for children less than 16 years and tramadol should not be taken by children under the age of 12). Continue reading

A fever is defined as a body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher. Normal body temperature is usually 37°C (98.6°F), although it can be about a half degree Celsius higher or lower for some people and that’s normal for them. Continue reading

An aspirin overdose can occur after a single large dose (this is called an acute overdose) or develop gradually after taking lower doses for a long time (this is called a chronic overdose). An acute aspirin overdose may be accidental or intentional. A toxic dose of aspirin for a human adult is considered to be 200 to 300 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (works out to be 13,600 to 20,400mg of aspirin for a person who weighs 68 kg [approximately 150 pounds]). A dose of 500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (34,000mg for a 68kg person) is considered a potentially lethal dose of aspirin, and could result in death. Continue reading

DO NOT give aspirin to cats; it can be deadly to your cat. Cats lack the enzyme needed for metabolizing salicylic acid properly, and aspirin can build up and be extremely toxic. Many vets do not recommend aspirin use in dogs anymore due to stomach ulcers and the possibility of bleeding. Continue reading

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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