Excessive and prolonged therapy has been associated with nephropathy. ASA is one of the most frequent causes of accidental poisoning in toddlers and infants. ASA containing preparations should therefore be kept well out of the reach of all children. Salicylates should be administered with caution to patients with asthma and other allergic conditions, with bleeding tendencies, or with hypoprothrombinemia or in patients prone to dyspepsia or known to have a lesion of the gastric mucosa. Caution is necessary when renal or hepatic function is impaired.
Salicylates can produce changes in the thyroid function tests.
ASA may precipitate or worsen attacks of gout. Discontinue use of 222 tablets 5 to 7 days prior to surgery. The elderly may be more susceptible to the toxic effects of salicylates, possibly because of decreased renal function. Inhibiting production of renal prostaglandins by ASA and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents can result in an acute reduction in renal blood flow with subsequent deterioration of renal function. Certain prostaglandins may act as renal vasodilators if renal blood flow is reduced.