Ecotrin

Ecotrin is a salicylate (sa-LIS-il-ate) that is used to relieve pain and lower fever or swelling.

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

Ecotrin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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 this medicine bottle. The medicine may no longer be effective.

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

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

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

• a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding;
• a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia; or
• if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking Ecotrin or an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma or seasonal allergies;
• stomach ulcers;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
• gout; or
• heart disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure.

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.

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

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

• ringing in your ears, confusion, hallucinations, rapid breathing, seizure (convulsions);
• severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;
• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• fever lasting longer than 3 days; or
• swelling or pain lasting longer than 10 days.

Common side effects of Ecotrin may include:

• upset stomach, heartburn;
• drowsiness; or
• mild headache.

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.

Ecotrin is used as needed. If you miss a dose while on a dosing schedule, skip that dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose may cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, vision or hearing issues, fast or slow breathing, or confusion.

Avoid alcohol. Drinking heavily can increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Do not take ibuprofen if you are using Ecotrin to prevent a stroke or heart attack. Ibuprofen can reduce how well this medicine protects 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 have ingredients like those in Ecotrin (such as magnesium salicylate, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

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

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

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven), or any other medication used to prevent blood clots; or
• other salicylates such as Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others.

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.