Aspirin is one of the oldest, most-used medicines. People take it for pain, fever, inflammation, and low-dose aspirin is common for heart attack and stroke prevention. That sounds simple, but aspirin can cause real problems for some people. This guide gives clear, practical facts so you can use it smarter and safer.
For occasional pain or fever, adults typically take 325–650 mg every 4–6 hours as needed. Don’t exceed 4,000 mg (4 g) in 24 hours without a doctor’s advice. For heart protection doctors often prescribe low‑dose aspirin: usually 75–100 mg daily (81 mg is common in the U.S.). That low dose works mainly by reducing blood platelet stickiness, which helps prevent clots.
If someone is having a suspected heart attack, many guidelines advise calling emergency services and, if advised by a clinician, taking a chewable 325 mg aspirin because chewing speeds absorption. Always follow local emergency instructions and medical advice first.
Aspirin raises the chance of bleeding—especially in the stomach and intestines. If you have a history of peptic ulcers, recent bleeding, or take blood thinners (warfarin, DOACs), the bleeding risk is higher. Combining aspirin with other NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can blunt its heart‑protective effect and increase GI risk. Some antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) also raise bleeding risk when taken with aspirin.
Children and teens should not take aspirin when they have a viral illness (chickenpox or flu symptoms) because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition. People with aspirin‑sensitive asthma can get severe breathing problems after aspirin. Pregnant women should only use aspirin if a doctor recommends it—low doses are used in specific situations but must be guided by a clinician.
Enteric‑coated aspirin aims to reduce stomach upset, but it does not remove bleeding risk. If you need long‑term aspirin and have stomach problems, talk to your doctor about adding a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or using an alternative strategy.
Quick shopping and safety tips: buy from licensed pharmacies, check for clear contact info and reviews, and don’t trust prices that look too good to be true. If a site won’t verify a prescription when one’s required, walk away. Always tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take—herbal products and vitamins can matter, too.
Want to start or stop aspirin for heart protection? Don’t make that call alone. Ask your doctor, who will weigh your personal heart and bleeding risks and recommend the right dose and monitoring plan.
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