Although salicylates in large doses are uricosuric agents, smaller amounts may decrease the uricosuric effects of probenecid, sulfinpyrazone, and phenylbutazone. Consult a physician before giving this medicine to children, including teenagers, with chicken pox or flu. Occult gastrointestinal bleeding occurs in many patients but is not correlated with gastric distress. The amount of blood lost is usually insignificant clinically, but with prolonged administration, it may result in iron deficiency anemia. Sodium excretion produced by spironolactone may be decreased in the presence of salicylates.
Salicylates can produce changes in thyroid function tests.
Salicylates should be used with caution in patients with severe hepatic damage, pre-existing hypoprothrombinemia, or Vitamin K deficiency, and in those undergoing surgery. It has been reported that adverse effects were increased in the mother and fetus following chronic ingestion of aspirin. Prolonged pregnancy and labor with increased bleeding before and after delivery, as well as decreased birth weight and increased rate of stillbirth were correlated with high blood salicylate levels. Because of possible adverse effects on the neonate and the potential for increased maternal blood loss, aspirin should be avoided during the last three months of pregnancy. Aspirin may decrease the effects of probenecid, sulfinpyrazone, and phenylbutazone.