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Aspirin

Brand names: Bayer, Ecotrin, St. Joseph

Aspirin relieves pain and fever, and low-dose aspirin helps prevent heart attacks and strokes in some people.

Brand namesBayer, Ecotrin, St. Joseph
Type of medicineNSAID and antiplatelet
Prescription?Over the counter
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It keeps platelets from clumping. Daily aspirin isn't right for everyone; the bleeding risk can outweigh the benefit.

What it's used for

  • Pain and fever in adults
  • Preventing another heart attack or stroke (daily low dose, as prescribed)
  • During a suspected heart attack, if 911 tells you to

How to take it

  • Take it with food or water.
  • Don't start daily aspirin on your own. Ask your provider whether it's right for you.
  • Don't stop daily aspirin after a stent or heart attack without asking.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Upset stomach or heartburn
  • Bruising easily
Call 911Vomiting blood, coughing up blood, or bleeding that won't stop
Call 911Wheezing or swelling of the face or throat
Call your provider todayBlack or bloody stools
Call your provider todayRinging in the ears or hearing loss

Warnings

  • Never give aspirin to children or teens with a fever or viral illness; it can cause Reye's syndrome.
  • Higher bleeding risk with age, ulcers, heavy drinking, or other blood thinners.
  • People with asthma and nasal polyps may react to it.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Blood thinners, NSAIDs, steroids, and SSRIs raise bleeding risk.
  • Ibuprofen can block the heart-protective effect of low-dose aspirin.
  • It can raise methotrexate levels.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Low-dose aspirin is sometimes prescribed in pregnancy for specific reasons. Don't take regular-strength aspirin in late pregnancy unless your provider says to.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

If you take daily low-dose aspirin, take it when you remember the same day. Don't take two doses at once. For pain, take it only as needed.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.