This active ingredient is in Aspirin Complex
Two active ingredients are combined in Aspirin Complex granules. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) reduces cold-related symptoms and fever. It also inhibits inflammatory processes and has a blood-thinning effect. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride constricts the vessels in the nose and sinuses and causes the mucous membranes to swell.
When is Aspirin Complex used?
Aspirin Complex helps with swollen mucous membranes in the nose and sinuses. Likewise, the preparation relieves colds, fever and pain associated with a cold or flu-like infection.
What are the side effects of Aspirin Complex?
Possible Aspirin Complex side effects include:
- Ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, which in very rare cases can lead to a rupture
- gastrointestinal bleeding
- severe allergic reactions that occur especially in patients with asthma (with shortness of breath, skin reactions, drop in blood pressure)
- an increased risk of bleeding
- gastrointestinal disorders (stomach pain, digestive discomfort, inflammation of the gastric mucosa)
- an increase in liver values
- heart palpitations
- decreased urine output (especially in patients with enlargement of the prostate)
- insomnia, hallucinations, or other effects on cognition
- local skin irritations (rash, hives, itching)
Mild side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, may also occur.
If side effects are noticed, Aspirin Complex should be discontinued immediately and a doctor informed. The treating physician or pharmacist should also be notified if restrictions are not mentioned.
If other medications are taken at the same time as Aspirin Complex, the doctor should be informed in order to avoid interactions. These are possible with the use of:
- other blood-thinning preparations (ticlopidine)
- digoxin, a drug used to strengthen the heart
- other painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Medicines that lower blood sugar levels (antidiabetics)
- Salbutamol tablets (inhalation sprays, however, may continue to be used as prescribed)
- Medicines that promote urine excretion (diuretics)
- Antihypertensive drugs (guathinidine, methyldopa, beta-blockers)
Here’s what you should keep in mind when using Aspirin Complex.
Aspirin Complex granules must not be used in:
- allergies to any active substance or other components of Aspirin Complex
- existing stomach ulcers
- impairments involving an increase in the risk of bleeding
- severe functional impairment of the kidney and liver
- known heart failure
- concomitant use of at least 15 mg of methotrexate per week
- severe hypertension and coronary artery disease (narrowing of the vessels that supply the heart)
- taking certain antidepressants (MAO inhibitors)
- Allergies to other pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory drugs are present (NSAIDs)
- allergies (skin reactions, itching, urticaria), asthma, hay fever, or other chronic respiratory problems are present
- previous ulcers or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract are known
- the work of the liver and kidneys is limited
- surgery is imminent
- hyperthyroidism, mild to moderate hypertension, diabetes, or enlargement of the prostate gland.
The contents of the Aspirin Complex sachet should be added to a glass of water and the mixture stirred well, making sure that the granules do not dissolve completely. The entire contents of the glass should be taken immediately. Drinking of the Aspirin Complex solution can be done independently of meals.
Aspirin Complex: Elderly patients
Elderly patients in particular may be sensitive to the Aspirin Complex ingredients. Side effects on the central nervous system such as insomnia or hallucinations are possible.
Aspirin Complex: children and adolescents
Adolescents under 16 years of age should not use Aspirin Complex without consulting a doctor. Use in children may possibly result in Reye’s syndrome, which is extremely rare but life-threatening.
Aspirin Complex: Alcohol
Concomitant use with alcohol results in increased bleeding in the digestive tract.
Aspirin Complex: Traffic ability and operation of machines
The Aspirin Complex effect may reduce the ability to react. This impairment may be particularly increased by simultaneous consumption of Aspirin Complex and alcohol. This must be taken into account during activities such as active participation in road traffic or operating machinery.
Due to lack of experience on the interaction of acetylsalicylic acid and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride in Aspirin Complex, the drug should not be taken during pregnancy and lactation.
Aspirin Complex: overdose
If overdose or poisoning with Aspirin Complex is suspected, notify a doctor immediately. Typical symptoms include headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or agitation.
How to get Aspirin Complex
Aspirin Complex granules are available over-the-counter in all pharmacies. However, you should discuss Aspirin Complex use in children under 16 years of age with your doctor beforehand.
Complete information about this medicine
Here you can find the complete information about the drug as a download (PDF)
