Topic Overview

Aspirin (such as Anacin, Bayer, or Bufferin) relieves pain and reduces fever and inflammation.

Warning: Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 unless your doctor tells you to do so because of the risk of Reye syndrome .

Be sure to follow the nonprescription medicine precautions.

Dosage: Adults (age 20 and older), 650 mg every 4 hours, as needed. Maximum adult dose is 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period.

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). For information about other NSAIDs, see nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Side effects of aspirin include:

• Stomach upset or discomfort, which is the most common side effect. Taking aspirin with food may help.
• Ringing in the ears. Stop taking aspirin or take a smaller dose until the ringing goes away.
• Eye problems, such as blurred or double vision.
• Dizziness.
• Rapid, deep breathing.

Stop taking aspirin and call a health professional if side effects do not go away within 4 hours after the last dose of aspirin was taken.

Reasons not to take aspirin

Do not take aspirin if you:

• Are allergic to aspirin.
• Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
• Are breast-feeding.
• Have asthma.
• Have nasal polyps.
• Have a blood-clotting disorder.
• Have peptic ulcer disease.
• Have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Have a hangover.

Do not take aspirin if you are taking:

• Blood thinners (anticoagulants).
• Oral diabetes medicines.