Aspirin: What it does and when to use it
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is one of the oldest medicines still in use. People take it for pain, fever, and inflammation, and doctors use low doses to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in certain patients. But aspirin isn’t harmless — knowing when to use it, how much to take, and when to avoid it makes a big difference.
Common uses and doses
For occasional pain or fever in adults, common doses are 325–650 mg every 4–6 hours as needed, not exceeding recommended daily limits on the package. For heart protection, doctors usually prescribe a low-dose aspirin — 75–100 mg once daily. That low dose is meant to reduce platelet clumping and lower the chance of clot-related events. Don’t start daily aspirin for prevention without talking to your doctor; the benefits and risks depend on your age, blood pressure, diabetes, and bleeding risk.
Important: aspirin is not recommended for children and teenagers with viral infections (flu, chickenpox). Giving aspirin to kids in that situation can cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
Safety, interactions, and red flags
Aspirin increases bleeding risk. That includes stomach bleeding, ulcers, and heavier bleeding after injury. If you already take blood thinners (warfarin, DOACs), antiplatelet drugs, or some antidepressants (SSRIs), combining them with aspirin raises bleeding risk. Ibuprofen can also interfere with aspirin’s heart-protective effect if taken at the same time — ask your pharmacist about timing or alternatives.
Watch for allergy signs: hives, breathing difficulty, or severe skin reactions. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can happen with higher doses. If you plan surgery or a dental procedure, tell your provider — they may ask you to stop aspirin a week before to reduce bleeding, but never stop a prescribed regimen without medical advice.
Some people think enteric-coated aspirin prevents stomach problems. It may reduce immediate stomach irritation for some, but it doesn’t eliminate bleeding risk. If you have a history of ulcers or GI bleeding, your doctor may recommend alternatives or protect your stomach with other medicines.
Buying aspirin: stick to reputable pharmacies and check the label for acetylsalicylic acid and the dose. Generic brands are usually fine and cheaper. Avoid unknown online sellers with no contact info, wildly low prices, or missing expiration dates. If you use an online pharmacy, choose one that requires clear product info and has customer support.
Quick checklist before taking aspirin regularly: confirm the reason with your doctor, review all your medicines for interactions, check for bleeding history, and ask about the right dose. When in doubt, call your healthcare provider or pharmacist — a short chat can prevent a lot of trouble.
