What is Aspirin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 12, 2021  •  Published Dec. 30, 2020

Aspirin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Adult Low Dose Aspirin, Ascriptin Regular Strength, Bayer Aspirin Children's, Bayer Aspirin Regimen, Bayer Extra Strength, Bayer Genuine Aspirin, Bayer Low Dose, Bufferin, Durlaza, Ecotrin, Ecpirin, Enteric Aspirin, Genuine Aspirin, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Aspirin, Halfprin

Generic Names:

  • Aspirin Ec

Uses:

  • Treats pain, fever, and inflammation. May lower risk of heart attack and stroke.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor, Central Nervous System Agent, Antirheumatic, Antipyretic, Analgesic

Forms:

  • 24 Hour Capsule, Long Acting Tablet, Long Acting Capsule, Gum, Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Fizzy Tablet, Coated Tablet, Delayed Release Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Aspirin used for?

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, muscle aches, toothaches, common cold, and headaches. It may also be used to prevent blood clots and other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. Aspirin is available as an enteric coated, low dose capsule and may be used by adults and children 12 years and older.

What form(s) does Aspirin come in

  • 24 Hour Capsule

  • Long Acting Tablet

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • Gum

  • Tablet

  • Chewable Tablet

  • Fizzy Tablet

  • Coated Tablet

  • Delayed Release Capsule

What are common Aspirin doses?

  • Bottle 36 Tablets Chewable

  • Bottle 120 Tablets Delayed Release

  • Bottle 24 Tablets

  • Bottle 30 Tablets

  • Bottle 100 Tablets Delayed Release

  • Bottle 100 Tablets

  • Bottle 500GM of

  • Tablet 325MG

  • Tablet Chewable 81MG

  • Tablet Delayed Release 81MG

  • Box 12 Suppository

Common Aspirin prescriptions

  • Aspirin
    100 tablets bottle

  • Aspirin
    100 tablets delayed release bottle

  • Aspirin
    1000 tablets delayed release bottle

  • Aspirin
    120 tablets delayed release bottle

  • Aspirin
    16 tablets delayed release bottle

  • Aspirin
    20 tablets delayed release bottle

  • Aspirin
    200 tablets delayed release bottle

  • Aspirin
    250 tablets delayed release bottle

  • Aspirin
    30 tablets delayed release bottle

  • Aspirin
    300 tablets delayed release bottle

  • Aspirin
    36 tablets chewable bottle

  • Aspirin
    36 tablets delayed release bottle

  • Aspirin
    50 tablets delayed release bottle

  • Aspirin
    500 tablets bottle

  • Aspirin
    500 tablets delayed release bottle

  • Aspirin
    60 tablets delayed release bottle

  • Aspirin
    90 tablets delayed release bottle

  • Aspirin
    12 suppository box

  • Aspirin
    325mg tablet

  • Aspirin
    81mg tablet chewable

  • Aspirin
    325mg tablet delayed release

  • Aspirin
    81mg tablet delayed release

How to take Aspirin

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose of Durlaza„¢, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Gum: Chew completely to make sure you get as much medicine as possible. Drink a full glass (8 ounces) of water after chewing the gum.

  • Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Take the capsule with a full glass of water at the same time each day.

  • Chewable tablet: You may chew it completely or swallow it whole.

  • Capsule, tablet, or coated tablet: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Chewable tablet: You may chew it completely or swallow it whole.

  • Capsule, tablet, or coated tablet: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Take the capsule with a full glass of water at the same time each day.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose of Durlaza„¢, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Gum: Chew completely to make sure you get as much medicine as possible. Drink a full glass (8 ounces) of water after chewing the gum.

Aspirin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs, or if you have a history of asthma with nasal polyps and rhinitis.

Aspirin warnings

  • This medicine may increase your risk for bleeding, including stomach ulcers.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of stomach bleeding or ulcers.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine during the later part of a pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Do not give aspirin to a child or teenager who has chickenpox or flu symptoms, unless the doctor says it is okay. Aspirin can cause a life-threatening reaction called Reye syndrome.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Aspirin interactions

  • Do not give aspirin to a child or teenager who has chickenpox or flu symptoms, unless the doctor says it is okay. Aspirin can cause a life-threatening reaction called Reye syndrome.

  • Do not take Durlaza„¢ 2 hours before or 1 hour after you drink alcohol or take medicines that contain alcohol.

  • This medicine may increase your risk for bleeding, including stomach ulcers.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how aspirin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Dipyridamole, methotrexate, probenecid, sulfinpyrazone, ticlopidineBlood thinner (including clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor, warfarin)Blood pressure medicineMedicine to treat seizures (including phenytoin, valproic acid)NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)Steroid medicine (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Aspirin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Chest tightness, wheezing

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Ringing in the ears

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Bloody or black stools, bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

  • Severe stomach pain