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Aspirin

Topic Overview

Aspirin (such as Anacin, Bayer, or Bufferin) relieves pain and reduces fever and inflammation.

Warning: Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 unless your doctor tells you to do so because of the risk of Reye syndrome.

Be sure to follow the nonprescription medicine precautions.

Dosage: Adults (age 20 and older), 650 mg every 4 hours, as needed. Maximum adult dose is 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period.

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). For information about other NSAIDs, see nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Side effects of aspirin include:

  • Stomach upset or discomfort, which is the most common side effect. Taking aspirin with food may help.
  • Ringing in the ears. Stop taking aspirin or take a smaller dose until the ringing goes away.
  • Eye problems, such as blurred or double vision.
  • Dizziness.
  • Rapid, deep breathing.

Stop taking aspirin and call a health professional if side effects do not go away within 4 hours after the last dose of aspirin was taken.

Reasons not to take aspirin

Do not take aspirin if you:

  • Are allergic to aspirin.
  • Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
  • Are breast-feeding.
  • Have asthma.
  • Have nasal polyps.
  • Have a blood-clotting disorder.
  • Have peptic ulcer disease.
  • Have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Have a hangover.

Do not take aspirin if you are taking:

  • Blood thinners (anticoagulants).
  • Oral diabetes medicines.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David Messenger, MD
Last Revised August 5, 2011

Last Revised: August 5, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & David Messenger, MD

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