Salicylate
salicylic acid
What it isSalicylic-acid NSAID family that inhibits cyclooxygenase; used for analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Why this oneAspirin uniquely adds irreversible platelet inhibition, while nonacetylated salicylates provide anti-inflammatory effects with less platelet inhibition.
What limits itDose-related tinnitus and mixed respiratory alkalosis–metabolic acidosis signal toxicity; bleeding, renal dysfunction, and drug interactions limit chronic use.
FDA-approved for
- pain / inflammation
Off-label
- pain and inflammation (the active moiety of aspirin and salsalate)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary relief of minor backache pain | adults & children ≥12 y | 2 caplets (1160 mg) q6h PRN | 2 caplets q6h PRN | 8 caplets (4640 mg)/24 h |
| Temporary relief of minor backache pain | children <12 y | Do not use unless directed by a doctor | — | — |
Renal OTC: ask a doctor before use with kidney disease
Hepatic OTC: ask a doctor before use with liver cirrhosis
Each caplet: magnesium salicylate tetrahydrate 580 mg (NSAID); also delivers magnesium 45 mg/caplet
Instructions
- Drink a full glass of water with each dose
- Stop use and ask a doctor if pain worsens or lasts >10 days, fever worsens or lasts >3 days, ringing in ears/hearing loss, or signs of stomach bleeding
Contraindications
- Allergy to salicylates (including aspirin) or any other pain reliever/fever reducer
Cautions
- Reye's syndrome: children/teenagers with or recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should not use
- NSAID severe stomach-bleeding warning — risk higher if age ≥60, prior ulcer/bleeding, anticoagulant or steroid use, other NSAIDs, ≥3 alcoholic drinks/day, or exceeding directed dose/duration
- Ask a doctor before use with asthma, history of stomach problems/heartburn, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, or diuretic use
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if taking a prescription drug for gout, diabetes, or arthritis
- Stop and seek help for allergic reaction or signs of stomach bleeding (bloody vomit, faintness, bloody/black stools, persistent stomach pain)
Adverse reactions
- Severe allergic reaction (hives, facial swelling, wheezing, shock)
- Severe stomach bleeding
- Tinnitus / hearing loss
Pregnancy Ask a health professional before use; especially do not use at ≥20 weeks gestation unless directed by a doctor (risk to unborn child / delivery complications)
Lactation If breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskGI bleeding; tinnitus as the first sign of toxicity
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Mechanism of action: Salicylate ballicule
