Aspirin

Aspirin is a medication that relieves pain, reduces fever, and decreases inflammation in the body. It belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. People have used aspirin for over a century to manage everyday aches and pains.

At low doses, aspirin also helps prevent blood clots from forming. This makes it valuable for protecting against heart attacks and strokes in certain people. Doctors often recommend daily low-dose aspirin for people with heart disease or those at high risk.

You can buy aspirin without a prescription at most pharmacies and stores. It comes in different strengths, from 81 mg baby aspirin to 325 mg regular strength tablets. Aspirin works quickly, usually providing relief within 30 minutes of taking it.

• Relief of mild to moderate pain including headaches, toothaches, and muscle aches
• Reduction of fever in adults and children over 12 years old
• Treatment of inflammation from conditions like arthritis
• Prevention of heart attacks in people with cardiovascular disease
• Prevention of stroke in people with certain risk factors
• Reduction of blood clot risk after certain surgeries or procedures

Aspirin blocks an enzyme in your body called cyclooxygenase, or COX for short. This enzyme helps create chemicals called prostaglandins that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. By blocking COX, aspirin stops your body from making these chemicals. This is why you feel less pain and why swelling goes down.

Aspirin also affects cells in your blood called platelets. Platelets help your blood clot when you get cut or injured. Aspirin makes platelets less sticky, so they cannot clump together as easily. This effect lasts for the entire life of the platelet, which is about 7 to 10 days. That is why even small doses of aspirin can help prevent dangerous blood clots in your arteries.

For pain or fever relief, adults typically take 325 mg to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not take more than 4,000 mg in 24 hours. For heart health and stroke prevention, doctors usually recommend 81 mg to 325 mg once daily. Always follow the label directions or your doctor's instructions. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers with viral infections because of the risk of Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition.

• Stomach upset or heartburn
• Nausea
• Easy bruising
• Bleeding that takes longer to stop
• Ringing in the ears at higher doses

Serious side effects include stomach bleeding, severe allergic reactions, and signs of bleeding like black or bloody stools. Stop taking aspirin and seek medical help immediately if you experience severe stomach pain, vomit blood, have difficulty breathing, or develop hives or swelling of the face.

• Blood thinners like warfarin, which can increase bleeding risk
• Other NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, which may reduce aspirin's heart benefits
• Corticosteroids, which increase stomach bleeding risk
• Methotrexate, as aspirin can increase its levels in the blood
• Alcohol, which raises the risk of stomach bleeding
• Diabetes medications, as aspirin may affect blood sugar levels

If you take aspirin regularly, your doctor may want to monitor your platelet count to ensure your blood can still clot properly. Low platelet counts can increase your risk of bleeding. Your doctor may also check for signs of stomach bleeding or anemia, especially if you take aspirin daily for heart health. People taking aspirin long-term should watch for unusual bruising, bleeding gums, or black stools. These could signal bleeding problems that need medical attention.