Aspirin for pain or fever

About aspirin

What is aspirin used for?

Aspirin is a painkiller used 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.

Low-strength aspirin is also prescribed to help prevent unwanted blood clots from forming within the body.

Side effects of aspirin

Common side effects of aspirin are:

• Stomach pain.

• Feeling sick.

• Indigestion.

• Bleeding more easily (such as nosebleeds or bruising).

You will find a full list of side effects in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

How to manage aspirin side effects

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.

Who should not take aspirin?

Some medicines aren’t suitable for everyone. Before taking aspirin, your doctor or pharmacist needs to know:

• 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 taking aspirin, read the leaflet inside the pack for important information and possible side effects.

• Take aspirin exactly as directed on the label or by your healthcare professional.

  • The usual dose is 1-3 tablets (300 mg each) every 4-6 hours as needed.

  • Do not take more than 13 tablets (4 g) in 24 hours.

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

• Take regular aspirin with or just after food to help reduce stomach irritation.

• Gastro-resistant (enteric-coated) aspirin can be taken before food, as the coating helps protect your stomach.

  • Swallow these tablets whole with water - do not crush or chew them.

• Do not take indigestion remedies in the 2 hours before or after taking gastro-resistant aspirin, as they can stop the coating from working properly.

• 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 16 unless prescribed by a doctor, as it is linked to a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.

• Before taking any over-the-counter medicines, check with a pharmacist.

• Do not take aspirin with other medicines that contain aspirin or with anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen. Many painkillers and cold and flu remedies contain these, so always read the label.

• If you think too much aspirin has been taken, or a child may have taken it by accident, go to A&E immediately. Take the medicine packaging with you, even if it’s empty.

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

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for aspirin to work?

Aspirin usually starts working within 20-30 minutes of taking. Pain relief continues to improve over the next 1-2 hours with the effects lasting for up to 6 hours.

Can you drink alcohol with aspirin?

It is best to avoid or limit alcohol when taking aspirin as it can increase the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding.

Is it safe to take aspirin during pregnancy?

Aspirin is generally not recommended during pregnancy, but a low dose may be used as a blood thinner. Higher doses for pain or fever are usually avoided, especially in later stages.

Is aspirin a blood thinner?

Yes. Aspirin acts as a blood thinner by reducing how easily blood clots.

Does aspirin lower blood pressure?

Aspirin does not directly lower blood pressure, but it may help reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke in some people when prescribed.