Ecosprin is utilized as an analgesic for quick relief from minor to moderate discomfort and pain, as an antipyretic for lowering fever, and as an anti-inflammatory treatment. It falls under the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Additionally, Ecosprin is prescribed long-term at low dosages to help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clot formation in individuals at increased risk for clots. It has been shown that low doses of Ecosprin can be administered right after a heart attack to minimize the chances of a subsequent heart attack or stroke.
Ecosprin is effective in treating inflammation, fever, and pain associated with various types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome, and osteoarthritis. It is also used for soft tissue injuries like tendinitis and bursitis, and for the quick alleviation of mild to moderate pain and fever in other inflammatory conditions.
It is recommended to take Ecosprin with food. For mild to moderate pain, a typical dose is 325 mg every 4 hours. For rheumatoid arthritis, the doses range from 325 mg every 4 to 6 hours. To prevent heart attacks, the daily dosage is usually 75, 150, or 325 mg.
Ecosprin is linked to several suspected or likely interactions that may alter the effectiveness of other medications. Common examples include NSAIDs potentially raising lithium (Eskalith) blood levels due to reduced renal excretion, which can lead to lithium toxicity. Additionally, Ecosprin might lessen the blood pressure-lowering effects of antihypertensive medications, possibly because prostaglandins are involved in blood pressure regulation.
Patients with a known allergy to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or those with the asthma, rhinitis, and nasal polyps syndrome should not take Ecosprin. It may lead to severe urticaria, angioedema, or bronchospasm.
The primary adverse side effects associated with Ecosprin include gastrointestinal ulcers, stomach bleeding, and tinnitus, particularly at higher doses. In children and teenagers, Ecosprin is no longer recommended for managing flu-like symptoms or for symptoms of chickenpox and other viral infections due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.