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Low dose aspirin

Uses for aspirin

At high doses usually 300mgaspirin can relieve pain, reducea high temperature (fever) and reduce swelling.

It's often usedfor short-term relief from:

  • Headaches and migraines
  • toothache
  • period pains
  • general aches and pains
  • colds and flu

Long-term treatment with low doses of aspirin usually 75mghas an antiplatelet effect, which means it makes the blood less sticky and can stop blood clots developing.

A doctor may recommend this if you have or have had:

  • a heart attack or angina
  • a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
  • peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
  • coronary artery bypass surgery or another operation on your heart or blood vessels

Aspirin may also be prescribed for children after heart surgery or to treat Kawasaki disease . But it shouldn't be given to anyone under 16 years old without medical supervision.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for low dose aspirin
Introduction

Find out about aspirin, including what it's used for, who can take it, and what the main side effects are.

Uses for aspirin

At high doses usually 300mgaspirin can relieve pain, reducea high temperature (fever) and reduce swelling. It's often usedfor short-term relief from: Headaches and migraines toothache period

Who can and can't take aspirin

Most people can take aspirin safely. But you should get advice from a pharmacist or doctor before taking it if you: have had an allergic reaction to aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

How to take aspirin

Your pharmacist or doctor can tell you how often to take your aspirin and how much you should take. You can also check the recommendations in the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Generally spea

Side effects of aspirin

Like all medications, there's a risk of side effects from aspirin. The most common side effectsare: indigestion and stomach aches taking your medicine with food may help reduce this risk bleedin

Interactions with other medicines, food and alcohol

Aspirin can potentially interact withother medications, including some complementary and herbal medicines , which could alter their effects or increase your risk of side effects. Medicines that can i

Missed or extra doses

If you're takingaspirin to reduce your risk of blood clots and youforget to takea dose, take that dose as soon as you remember and then continue to take your course of aspirin as normal. If it's almo

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