Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on any special diet, such as a low-sodium or low-sugar diet. This medicine contains a large amount of sodium (more than 500 mg in each tablet).

Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not take more of this medicine than is recommended on the package label. If too much is taken, serious side effects may occur.

Do not take this medicine if it has a strong vinegar-like odor. This odor means the aspirin in it is breaking down. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

To use this medicine:

  • The tablets must be dissolved in water before taking. Do not swallow the tablets or any pieces of the tablets.
  • Place the number of tablets needed for one dose (1 or 2 tablets) into a glass. Then add ½ glass (4 ounces) of cool water.
  • Check to be sure that the tablets have disappeared completely. This shows that all of the medicine is in the liquid. Then drink all of the liquid. You may drink the liquid while it is still fizzing or after the fizzing stops.
  • Add a little more water to the glass and drink that, to make sure that you get the full amount of the medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage forms (effervescent tablets):
    • For pain and upset stomach:
      • Adults and teenagers—One or two regular-strength (325-milligram [mg]) tablets every four to six hours as needed, one extra-strength (500-mg) tablet every four to six hours as needed, or two extra-strength (500-mg) tablets every six hours as needed, dissolved in water. Elderly people should not take more than four regular-strength or extra-strength tablets a day. Other adults and teenagers should not take more than 6 regular-strength flavored tablets, 8 regular-strength unflavored tablets, or 7 extra-strength tablets a day.
      • Children—The dose depends on the child's age.
        • Children younger than 3 years of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
        • Children 3 to 5 years of age: One-half of a regular-strength (325-mg) tablet, dissolved in water, every four to six hours as needed.
        • Children 6 to 12 years of age: One regular-strength (325-mg) tablet, dissolved in water, every four to six hours as needed.
    • For reducing the chance of heart attack, stroke, or other problems that may occur when a blood vessel is blocked by blood clots:
      • Adults—One regular-strength (325-mg) tablet a day, dissolved in water.
      • Children and teenagers—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.