CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Jo Murrell, Fear Free,
Medication: Aspirin
Medication: Aspirin
Your cat has been prescribed aspirin (also known as acetyl salicylic acid) to reduce the likelihood of blood clotting issues.
Key points:
• Pain killer and anti-inflammatory with blood thinning properties.
• There are no licensed veterinary products containing aspirin. Your veterinarian will have to prescribe a human drug to your pet which contains aspirin or may have directed you to purchase over the counter human preparations. Your veterinarian will explain off-license prescribing to you. Aspirin is rarely used in pets as there are safer, licensed veterinary products available which are more appropriate in most cases.
• Dosage: two to three times daily, as directed by your veterinarian. Administer with food.
• Toxic if too much is administered. Follow dosing guidelines carefully.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Aspirin (asp-ih-rin).
Brand name
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing aspirin.
Class of medication
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Storage
- Store at room temperature.
Why has my cat been prescribed aspirin?
Your veterinarian has prescribed aspirin to reduce the risk of blood clots.
How is the medication given?
Aspirin is given orally (as tablets). It is usually administered two or three times daily. Tablets should be administered with food. It is important to follow dosing guidelines carefully.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Reported side-effects include: gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration (blood-stained vomiting or diarrhea, dark, tarry feces) and kidney failure.
Overdose can result in vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, fever, lethargy, depression, coma and seizures.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you feel your pet has any side-effects from this medication. Aspirin should not be administered to patients already receiving the following medications: corticosteroids (ie prednisolone), methoxyflurane, other non-steroidal drugs (meloxicam, carprofen etc).
The following drugs may interact with aspirin: fluoroquinolone antibiotics, beta-blockers, diuretics.
Aspirin is contraindicated in the following circumstances: pregnant and lactating queens, patients with heart disease, patients with kidney disease, patients with liver disease, patients with bleeding disorders, patients with known or suspected stomach or intestinal ulceration and asthmatic patients.
Aspirin should be used with caution in cats under 6 weeks of age.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Aspirin tablets should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused aspirin safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Aspirin should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center. Asthmatic humans should be particularly careful not to take aspirin.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on aspirin?
Your cat may need regular blood tests to check kidney and liver function and to ensure that the dose of aspirin is correct.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on aspirin can be found on the package insert.
Europe & UK
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing aspirin available in the UK and Europe.
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing aspirin available in the US.
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.