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Ecotrin

Generic name: aspirin (oral) [ AS-pir-in ]
Brand names: Aspi-Cor, Bayer Plus, Durlaza, Ecotrin, Miniprin, ... show all 8 brands
Drug classes: Platelet aggregation inhibitors, Salicylates

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 24, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Ecotrin?

Ecotrin is a salicylate (sa-LIS-il-ate) that is used to treat pain, and reduce fever or inflammation.

Ecotrin is sometimes used to treat or prevent heart attacks, strokes, and chest pain (angina). This medicine should be used for these conditions only under the supervision of a doctor.

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

Ecotrin 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.

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

Common side effects of Ecotrin may include:

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.

Warnings

Ecotrin can cause Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition in children.

Before taking this medicine

Using Ecotrin in a child or teenager with flu symptoms or chickenpox can cause a serious or fatal condition called Reye's syndrome.

You should not use Ecotrin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Taking Ecotrin during late pregnancy may cause bleeding in the mother or the baby during delivery. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using Ecotrin.

How should I take Ecotrin?

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

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving Ecotrin to a child.

Take with food if Ecotrin upsets your stomach.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an enteric-coated or delayed/extended-release pill. Swallow it whole.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use Ecotrin if you smell a strong vinegar odor in the this medicine bottle. The medicine may no longer be effective.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Ecotrin 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.

Overdose may cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, vision or hearing problems, fast or slow breathing, or confusion.

What should I avoid while taking Ecotrin?

Avoid alcohol. Heavy drinking can increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Avoid taking ibuprofen if you take Ecotrin to prevent stroke or heart attack. Ibuprofen can make this medicine less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels. Ask your doctor how far apart your doses should be.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to Ecotrin (such as magnesium salicylate, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

What other drugs will affect Ecotrin?

Ask your doctor before using Ecotrin if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with this medicine may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

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

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

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

Common antidepressants used for orthopedic pain relief may include SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft), SNRIs such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like amitriptyline (Elavil) or nortriptyline (Pamelor). 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

More FAQ

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.