Pain reliever, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory.
Aspirin is a pain reliever and fever reducer used to temporarily ease minor aches and pains. It belongs to a class of drugs known as NSAIDs and works by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. Because it can cause serious stomach bleeding and rare but severe conditions like Reye's syndrome in children, it must be used carefully.
How it worksAspirin works by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclooxygenase to reduce pain and inflammation.
Brand names:SOMA COMPOUND, AGGRENOX, 8-HOUR BAYER, VAZALORE, DARVON COMPOUND, FIORINAL W/CODEINE, PRAVIGARD PAC (COPACKAGED), YOSPRALA, BAYER EXTRA STRENGTH ASPIRIN FOR MIGRAINE PAIN, SOMA COMPOUND W/ CODEINE, ROBAXISAL, FIORINAL, DURLAZA, PERCODAN, TALWIN COMPOUND, EQUAGESIC, SYNALGOS-DC, DARVON-N W/ ASA, NORGESIC
How to take
Adults and children 12 years and older can take 4 to 8 chewable tablets every 4 hours, not exceeding 48 tablets in a 24-hour period unless a doctor says otherwise.
Drink a full glass of water with every dose.
Key warnings
- ·Reye's syndrome: Children and teenagers recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use aspirin due to the risk of this rare but serious illness.
- ·Stomach bleeding: This drug can cause severe stomach bleeding, especially in people over 60, those with a history of ulcers, or those taking blood thinners, steroids, or other NSAIDs.
- ·Allergy alert: Aspirin may cause severe allergic reactions including hives, facial swelling, or asthma.
Do not use if
- ·Allergic reaction to any other pain reliever or fever reducer
- ·Use within 7 days after a tonsillectomy or oral surgery unless directed by a doctor
Side effects
Common
Serious
- ·Severe stomach bleeding
- ·Stomach ulcers
- ·Reye's syndrome
- ·Severe allergic reactions (hives, facial swelling, asthma, or shock)
- ·Vomiting blood
- ·Bloody or black stools
Seek help if
- ·Allergic reaction
- ·Vomiting blood
- ·Bloody or black stools
- ·Fainting
Interactions
- ·Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
- ·Steroid drugs
- ·Other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen)
- ·Diuretics
Special populations
PediatricChildren under 12 years old should consult a doctor before use. Aspirin should not be used by children or teenagers recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms due to Reye's syndrome risk.
GeriatricThe risk of stomach bleeding is higher for people age 60 or older.
Talk to your doctor
Monitor
- ·Stomach pain
- ·Fever lasting more than 3 days
- ·Redness or swelling
- ·New symptoms
Questions to ask
- ·Do I have a history of stomach problems like heartburn?
- ·Do I have high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease?
- ·Am I taking a diuretic or blood thinner?
- ·Do I have asthma?
Practical
OverdoseIn case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.
StorageStore between 20-25°C (68-77°F).
Ingredients
Allergens
Inactive
Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.
