Aspirin is a medication used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and manage conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It may also be recommended to help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Aspirin has anti-inflammatory, fever-reducing, pain-relieving, and antiplatelet effects. This means it can help reduce pain and fever, as well as help prevent platelets from clumping together in the blood.
This medication is available in pharmacies as regular-strength aspirin, low-dose aspirin, enteric-coated aspirin, or children’s chewable aspirin. Aspirin should only be used as directed by a doctor, especially in children, as it can cause serious side effects, such as Reye’s syndrome.
Main uses
Aspirin is indicated for:
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Menstrual cramps
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Muscle or joint pain
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Ankylosing spondylitis
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Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
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Pain or fever caused by colds or flu
In addition, aspirin may also be used to help prevent heart attack, stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), angina, thromboembolism after surgery, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism (PE).
Is aspirin an anticoagulant?
Aspirin is not an anticoagulant. According to the American Heart Association, aspirin is an antiplatelet medication, meaning it helps prevent platelets from sticking together and forming clots that can block blood vessels and cause a heart attack or stroke.
Dosing instructions
Aspirin should be taken by mouth with a full glass of water, preferably after a meal to help reduce stomach irritation. The dose depends on the condition being treated and the person’s age and may include:
For children under 12 years old, aspirin doses should be determined by a pediatrician based on the child’s age and body weight.
According to the CDC, aspirin should not be used in children with chickenpox because it is associated with Reye’s syndrome, a severe condition that can affect the liver and brain.
Aspirin should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, following the recommended dose and duration. Treatment should be tailored to the condition being treated.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that may occur during treatment with aspirin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, or stomach pain.
In addition, long-term use of aspirin may cause stomach ulcers or a condition called salicylism. This condition can cause symptoms such as dizziness, ringing in the ears, headache, or confusion.
Aspirin may also cause nosebleeds, bleeding gums, unusual vaginal or genital bleeding, gastrointestinal pain or discomfort, or severe allergic reactions. Seek immediate medical care if any of these occur.
Contraindications for use
Aspirin should not be taken in cases of dengue fever or by people who are allergic to aspirin, salicylates, or any other ingredient in the tablets.
Aspirin should also be avoided in the following situations:
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Increased risk of bleeding
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Asthma attacks triggered by salicylates or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
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Active or previous stomach or intestinal ulcers
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Severe kidney, liver, or heart failure
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Treatment with methotrexate at doses above 15 mg per week
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Treatment with other oral anticoagulants
Aspirin should not be used during pregnancy unless recommended by a doctor. For children under 12 years old, children’s aspirin should also only be used as directed by a pediatrician.
In addition, this medication should not be taken with alcohol, as this increases the risk of bleeding.
It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you take, as aspirin may have its effect increased or decreased when used with other medications.