Aspalgin

Generic Name: Aspirin, Codeine phosphate
Product Name: Aspalgin

Indication

-Pain (associated with migraine, headache, period pain, earache or pain in the bones and joints);
-Fever;
-Increased risk of blood clotting; and
-Inflammation.

Action

Aspalgin contains two different medications: aspirin and codeine phosphate. Aspirin prevents the body from producing prostaglandins, which are chemical messengers that cause pain, inflammation and fever. Codeine alters the way in which your body recognises and responds to pain.

The combination of the effects of the two drugs in Aspalgin make it more effective in reducing pain than either aspirin or codeine would be on its own.

Aspirin also inhibits thromboxane A2, another messenger that contributes to the formation of blood clots. Your doctor might prescribe aspirin if you are at risk of developing an unwanted blood clot. Taking aspirin can make it harder for your body to stop bleeding, because it canâ??t form clots as easily, so it may take longer than usual for bleeding to cease.

Dose advice

To relieve pain, the recommended dose of Aspalgin is 2 tablets every 4 hours to a maximum of 8 tablets per day.

Dissolve the tablets in a little water before swallowing them. Aspalgin can be taken with or without food.

Aspalgin is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Schedule

20’s: S2 50’s, 100’s: S3, except NSW: S2

Common side effects

Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, constipation, heartburn)

Uncommon side effects

-Gastric erosion (stomach and intestinal ulceration, which can lead to bleeding from the bowel, bloody stools or blood in the vomit).
-Tinnitus (sensation of ringing in the ears);
-Drowsiness and dizziness;
-Sweating;
-Renal papillary necrosis (kidney damage);
-Reactions associated with drug allergy (more common in asthmatics), such as: rash; swelling; itch; runny nose; and shortness of breath; and
-Dependence.

Â

For further information talk to your doctor.