9 Things You Should Know About Aspirin
Key takeaways:
Aspirin goes by many names and comes in several different forms and doses. It’s also a common ingredient in many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription products.
There are several uses for aspirin, including reducing fever and pain. People at a high risk for heart attacks and strokes also use it to help prevent a medical emergency.
While aspirin is a very useful medication for some, it’s not recommended for children. Aspirin use in children has been linked to a rare and life-threatening condition called Reye’s syndrome.
When you think of aspirin, what comes to mind? Some people may think of its ability to help prevent heart attacks and strokes, while others may think of it as a pain reliever.
Here are nine essential facts about this common medication that can treat a variety of conditions.
1. Aspirin as a fever reducer and more
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Most aspirin products are taken by mouth, but you can also find it as a rectal suppository.
Aspirin can be used to relieve fever and several different types of pain, including from headache and arthritis, in adults. It reduces fever and pain by blocking the production of naturally occurring substances called prostaglandins. These substances are responsible for pain, inflammation, and fever — mechanisms that help the body heal.
The recommended aspirin dosages for fever and for pain are very similar. Typically, both are treated with 325 mg to 650 mg of aspirin, taken by mouth every 4 hours as needed. If you’re using a rectal suppository, the dosage is 300 mg to 600 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
2. Aspirin as a blood thinner
Aspirin is considered to be an antiplatelet, also known as a blood thinner. It prevents platelets (cells involved in blood clotting) from excessively clumping together and forming clots in your blood vessels.
Blood clots in your heart can lead to a heart attack, and clots in your brain can result in a stroke. If you’ve had a heart attack or stroke in the past, your healthcare provider may recommend taking low-dose aspirin to help prevent another one. The typical dosage for this is 81 mg by mouth daily.
3. What aspirin is made of
You may have heard that aspirin is made of a compound found in willow-tree bark, but that’s not exactly true.
The bark of willow trees contains salicin, a compound that was first discovered in 1828. Your body converts salicin into salicylic acid when it’s ingested. While salicylic acid has similar effects to aspirin, it’s harder on your stomach.
Once scientists discovered salicylic acid, they were able to chemically convert it into the compound that aspirin is actually comprised of: acetylsalicylic acid.
4. How aspirin is sold
When purchasing aspirin on its own, you don’t need a prescription. There are a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) aspirin products available in pharmacies and grocery stores. And you’ve got several different forms and doses to choose from. Examples of these OTC options are outlined in the table below.
| Form of aspirin | Doses |
|---|---|
| Regular tablet | 325 mg 500 mg |
| Delayed-release (or enteric-coated) tablet | 81 mg 325 mg 500 mg 650 mg |
| Effervescent tablet (Alka-Seltzer) | 325 mg |
| Chewable tablet | 81 mg |
| Liquid-filled capsule (Vazalore) | 325 mg |
| Rectal suppository | 300 mg 600 mg |
You can also find aspirin in combination products with caffeine and/or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
5. Aspirin alternatives
There are a variety of OTC pain relievers and fever reducers that can be taken instead of aspirin. For example, acetaminophen is an effective option for fever and mild pain.
As previously mentioned, aspirin is an NSAID. Other similar medications in this class, which are also available OTC, include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). However, these NSAIDs don’t have the same heart-protective effects as aspirin. In fact, they should be avoided after you’ve had a heart attack or stroke.
6. Aspirin prescriptions
Most forms of aspirin are available OTC. But Durlaza is a prescription-only form that’s used to lower the risk of death and heart attack in people with coronary artery disease. People who have had a previous stroke also take Durlaza to prevent another one from happening.
The prescription-only medication is available in a 162.5 mg extended-release capsule.
7. Other products that contain aspirin
While aspirin is available on its own, there are several combination products that contain aspirin. The following are some common examples:
Excedrin: This is a brand of combination OTC products that typically contain aspirin. Excedrin products are usually used to relieve migraines, headaches, and other types of pain.
Fiorinal: This is a combination prescription medication used to help relieve tension headaches. Fiorinal contains the following active ingredients: butalbital, caffeine, and aspirin.
Fiorinal with codeine: This prescription product has the exact same active ingredients and use as Fiorinal. But it also contains codeine, which makes it a controlled substance.
Aggrenox: This combination prescription product contains aspirin and dipyridamole. It’s typically used to prevent a stroke in people with a history of strokes.
8. Aspirin and Reye’s syndrome
Aspirin should not be taken by anyone under 19 years old, unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider. That’s because it’s linked to a rare but life-threatening condition called Reye’s syndrome in children. The condition tends to affect children who have taken aspirin during or after a viral infection, like the flu or chickenpox.
Reye’s syndrome can cause liver and brain damage, and it can be fatal in some cases. Early treatment can help prevent it from getting worse, so it’s important to seek immediate medical attention if there are signs of the condition.
Symptoms of Reye’s syndrome include:
Confusion
Mood changes
There are plenty of OTC pain relievers that don’t contain aspirin and are safer for your child. Ask your pediatrician about potential alternatives to aspirin.
9. Salicylate toxicity
It’s not always obvious when OTC products contain aspirin. The medication is found in a variety of combination products and even goes by a few different names, including acetylsalicylic acid and acetylsalicylate.
Aspirin contains a substance called salicylate. If a person ingests too much of the substance it results in salicylate toxicity. So it’s important to be careful when combining aspirin and an OTC or prescription product that contains the substance. Examples of products that contain salicylate are Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) and Doan’s Extra Strength (magnesium salicylate).
Make sure to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine if a medication contains aspirin or salicylate if you’re not sure.
The bottom line
Aspirin is a common medication used to treat pain and fever. It’s also used to help prevent blood clots from forming. Today, it’s available by itself in several OTC products and one prescription product. It’s also an ingredient in a number of combination OTC and prescription medications.
While aspirin has many uses, it has been linked to Reye’s syndrome in children. If you have questions or concerns about aspirin, your pharmacist or healthcare provider can give you advice.
Why trust our experts?
References
Arif, H., et al. (2022). Salicylic acid (aspirin). StatPearls.
Bayer. (2021). Alka-Seltzer Original Flavor [label].
DailyMed. (2016). Doan's Extra Strength [label].
DailyMed. (2022). Acetaminophen aspirin and caffeine [label].
Desborough, M. J. R., et al. (2017). The aspirin story – From willow to wonder drug. British Journal of Haemotology.
MedlinePlus. (2020). Antiplatelet drugs - P2Y12 inhibitors.
New Haven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2015). Durlaza [package insert].
PLx Pharma Inc. (2022). Vazalore [package insert].
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2022). Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Journal of the American Medical Association.
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