Aspirin is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can treat mild to moderate pain, inflammation or arthritis. It also lowers your risk of heart attack, stroke or blood clot. Children and teenagers shouldn’t use this medication to treat their symptoms unless directed by their healthcare provider.
ASPIRIN (AS pir in) lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot. It may also be used to treat mild to moderate pain, inflammation, or arthritis. It belongs to a group of medications called NSAIDs.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aspir-Low, Aspir-Trin, Aspirtab, Bayer Advanced Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin Extra Strength, Bayer Aspirin Plus, Bayer Extra Strength, Bayer Extra Strength Plus, Bayer Genuine Aspirin, Bayer Womens Aspirin, Bufferin, Bufferin Extra Strength, Bufferin Low Dose
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. You can take this medication with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not take it more often than directed.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Children and teenagers should not use this medication to treat chicken pox or flu symptoms unless directed by a care team.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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If you are taking this medication on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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If you are treating yourself for pain, tell your doctor or health care provider if the pain lasts more than 10 days, if it gets worse, or if there is a new or different kind of pain. Tell your doctor if you see redness or swelling. Also, check with your doctor if you have a fever that lasts for more than 3 days. Only take this medication to prevent heart attacks or blood clotting if prescribed by your doctor or health care provider.
Do not take other medications that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen with this medication. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many non-prescription medications contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Always read labels carefully.
This medication can cause serious ulcers and bleeding in the stomach. It can happen with no warning. Smoking, drinking alcohol, older age, and poor health can also increase risks. Call your health care provider right away if you have stomach pain or blood in your vomit or stool.
Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Talk to your health care provider if you are pregnant before taking this medication. Taking this medication between weeks 20 and 30 of pregnancy may harm your unborn baby. Your health care provider will monitor you closely if you need to take it. After 30 weeks of pregnancy, do not take this medication.
Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.
This medication may make it more difficult to get pregnant. Talk to your health care provider if you are concerned about your fertility.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from heat and moisture. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
Do not use this medication if it has a strong vinegar smell.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy