Many Common Drugs Interact with Aspirin - Here's What You Need to Know

 

The good news is that drug interaction checker apps make it easy to spot issues. I plug my meds into one anytime I'm prescribed something new or switch up my regimen.

Checking for interactions is essential when adding a new medication or supplement.

This article explores common aspirin interactions and how to use drug interaction checker app safely.

I still remember the day I learned about aspirin interactions the hard way. I had recently begun a new medication routine that included a daily aspirin to reduce my risk of heart disease.

Generally cautious about combinations, I had carelessly assumed aspirin was safe with everything. That changed when I experienced unexpected bleeding after starting an antibiotic.

Aspirin Interacts with Many Medications

Before I get into specifics, let's go over some background. Aspirin is one of the most widely used medications worldwide.

It works by reducing inflammation and preventing clot formation. Unfortunately, this also makes aspirin prone to interactions.

The good news is that drug interaction checker apps make it easy to spot issues. I plug my meds into one anytime I'm prescribed something new or switch up my regimen.

This helps me avoid surprises like what happened with that antibiotic. Now, onto the common culprits. After analyzing my go-to drug interaction checker app, I was surprised to learn just how many interactions aspirin has...

Most Common Aspirin Medicine Interactions

Here are some of the most common medication types that interact with aspirin, as well as natural supplements that share risks:

• Antibiotics - Quinolone antibiotics are especially risky, but other classes can also increase bleeding.
• Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets - These blood thinners already raise bleeding risk, so combining them with aspirin can be dangerous.
• NSAIDs - Drugs like ibuprofen. Using it alongside aspirin brings little added benefit and more potential harm.
• SSRIs - Combining with aspirin may raise the risk of abnormal bleeding.
• Diuretics - Also known to further increase bleeding risk.
• Herbal Supplements - Ginkgo biloba, ginger, ginseng, and others may amplify bleeding.

And there are many more - checking interactions is crucial!

Medications/Supplements	Interaction Overview	Risk Rating
Quinolone Antibiotics	Greatly increased bleeding risk	Major
Blood Thinners	Raised clotting issues	Major
Ibuprofen / NSAIDs	Higher bleeding odds, no benefit	Moderate
SSRIs	Possible abnormal bleeding	Moderate
Diuretics	Can further raise the bleeding risk	Moderate
Ginkgo Biloba	May significantly increase bleeding	Major
Ginger	Might raise clotting time	Minor
Ginseng	May boost the risk of bleeding	Minor

Using Drug Interaction Checker Apps Safely

 

Now that you know what interacts with aspirin, let’s discuss how to use this info responsibly.

While aspirin has risks with many common meds, it can still be used safely if you follow precautions:

• Run all your meds through a drug interaction checker app anytime you start a new one
• Watch for major interactions that are unsafe at standard doses
• For moderate interactions, additional monitoring may allow continued use
• Discuss all concerns with your doctor and pharmacist

And of course, contact your doctor immediately with any unusual bleeding or other issues.

Like when I had to bleed from that antibiotic - while unpleasant, reporting it quickly prevented further problems.

The bottom line? Aspirin may interact with more medications than you’d expect. But drug interaction checker apps make it simple to catch potential issues early. Stay diligent and informed, and aspirin can likely remain part of your regimen.