Aspirin for pain or fever

About aspirin

Aspirin is a painkiller which can be taken to relieve pain such as headache, toothache and period pain. It is also suitable to treat cold and 'flu-like' symptoms, and to reduce a high temperature (fever). It can be taken by adults and by children over 16 years of age, but it is not suitable for younger children. In the past, aspirin has also been used to reduce pain and inflammation in rheumatic conditions, but other medicines are now usually preferred.

Low-strength aspirin is also prescribed to help prevent unwanted blood clots from forming within the body. There is more information about aspirin when it is used for this reason in a separate leaflet called Aspirin to prevent blood clots.

Before taking aspirin

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking aspirin it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

• If you have ever had a stomach ulcer or gout.

• If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works or with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have heart failure or a problem with your thyroid gland.

• If you have a blood disorder such as haemophilia, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

• If you have ever had an unusual or allergic-type reaction after taking aspirin or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs include ibuprofen, diclofenac, indometacin and naproxen. You should also let your doctor know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other medicine.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take aspirin

• Before you start taking aspirin, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. It will give you more information about aspirin and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take aspirin exactly as you have been told to, or as directed on the label of the pack. The recommended dose ranges from one to three (300 mg) tablets every 4-6 hours when needed. Never take more than 4 g (13 tablets) in any 24-hour period.

• If you have been given soluble (dispersible) tablets, take each of your doses stirred into a small glass of water.

• Aspirin (other than gastro-resistant tablets) should be taken with, or straight after, a meal or snack. This helps to reduce the risk of any stomach irritation. Gastro-resistant tablets (also called enteric-coated or EC tablets) can be taken before food as these have a special coating which will help to protect your stomach from irritation.

• Gastro-resistant tablets should be swallowed whole - do not crush or chew them. You can take them with a drink of water to help you swallow. Do not take indigestion remedies during the two hours before and the two hours after taking gastro-resistant tablets. This is because the antacid in the indigestion remedy affects the way the coating on these tablets works.

• Melt-in-the-mouth (orodispersible) tablets should be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Take care not to handle the tablets too much before placing on the tongue.

• If you forget to take a dose, do not worry. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Aspirin must not be given to children under the age of 16 years unless it has been prescribed by a doctor to treat a specific condition. This is because there is a possible association between aspirin and Reye's syndrome in children. Reye's syndrome is a very rare disease that can be fatal.

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take. You should not take other preparations which contain aspirin; neither should you take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen. Many painkillers and cold and flu remedies contain aspirin or ibuprofen - these should be avoided. Always read the label to check, or ask your pharmacist for advice.

• If you suspect that you have taken an overdose of aspirin, or that someone else (especially if it is a child) might have taken it accidentally, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital straightaway. This is very important because aspirin can cause serious problems when it is taken accidentally or in overdose. Take the container with you to show what has been taken, even if the pack is now empty.

Can aspirin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with aspirin. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store aspirin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines