Aspirin Dosages for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

Aspirin has been around for a long time. In fact, early forms date back as far as 4,000 years ago. Today, you can still find modern aspirin on pharmacy shelves where it remains a popular over-the-counter (OTC) medication. But times have changed, and so have aspirin dosages. Here’s everything you need to know about how to correctly and safely take aspirin.

What’s the typical aspirin dosage for pain or fever?

Aspirin is an OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Two common doses are 325 mg and 81 mg tablets. But aspirin also comes as oral capsules and rectal suppositories, with doses going as high as 600 mg. At higher doses (325 mg or greater), aspirin can help relieve minor aches and pains. 

Aspirin tablets

Aspirin 325 mg tablets are a popular dosage form, since they tend to be more affordable than other forms with similar dosage. The typical adult aspirin tablet dosage for pain and fever is 1 to 2 tablets (325 mg to 650 mg) by mouth every 4 hours as needed. You should drink a full glass of water with each dose. It’s important to make sure you don’t take more than 12 tablets (3,900 mg) in 24 hours. And it’s recommended to only self-treat for up to 3 days in a row for fever, or 10 days in a row for pain. If you feel you still need aspirin after that, contact a healthcare provider.

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Aspirin capsules

Aspirin capsules (Vazalore) have two dosage options for pain and fever:

• Dosage option 1: Take 1 to 2 capsules (325 mg to 650 mg) by mouth every 4 hours with a full glass of water as needed.

• Dosage option 2: Take 3 capsules (975 mg) by mouth every 6 hours with a full glass of water as needed.

You shouldn’t take more than 12 capsules (3,900 mg) in 24 hours. As with aspirin tablets,, you should only self-treat for up to 3 days in a row for fever, or 10 days in a row for pain. If you feel you still need aspirin after that, contact a healthcare provider.

Aspirin suppositories

Aspirin suppositories can be helpful if you have trouble swallowing pills. They come as 300 mg and 600 mg suppositories. The typical dosage instructions are as follows:

• Unwrap and insert 1 suppository (300 mg or 600 mg) into the rectum as far as you can.

• You can repeat doses every 4 hours as needed.

Only self-treat for up to 3 days in a row for fever, or 10 days in a row for pain. If you feel you still need aspirin after that, contact a healthcare provider.

What’s the typical aspirin dosage for heart protection?

At lower doses (81 mg), aspirin is sometimes recommended by healthcare providers to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with certain health conditions. But the aspirin dosage for heart protection isn’t listed on its OTC medicine label. That’s because you should talk to a healthcare provider about it first. Taking a daily low-dose aspirin to prevent a heart attack and stroke is helpful for some people. But it’s not right or safe for everyone.

If your provider has recommended that you take daily aspirin, they will determine the specific dosage that’s best for you. The most common adult aspirin dosage for heart protection is 81 mg (1 tablet or capsule) by mouth once a day. Take your daily aspirin dose around the same time each day with food and water.

Are there any dosage adjustments for health conditions?

There are no specific aspirin dosage adjustments needed for certain health conditions. But, there are some situations where you might need to use aspirin cautiously or avoid it altogether.

Talk to your healthcare provider before taking aspirin if you:

• Are younger than 19 years old

• Are 60 years of age or older

• Have have a history of stomach problems, such as ulcers, bleeding, or heartburn

• Drink three or more alcoholic drinks a day

• Have liver cirrhosis or kidney disease

• Have asthma

• Take a blood thinner, such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)

• Take a corticosteroid, such as prednisone

• Take a diuretic (“water pill”), such as hydrochlorothiazide

• Take other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Is baby aspirin safe for kids?

No, baby aspirin isn’t safe for kids. In fact, kids and teens that are younger than 19 years old should avoid aspirin unless a healthcare provider has recommended it. Although many people refer to low-dose (81 mg) aspirin as “baby” aspirin, it’s not safe for babies, children, or teens. This is due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Reye’s syndrome is a rare, but serious condition that can cause coma and sometimes death. Although it’s not fully understood why, there’s a link between aspirin and Reye’s syndrome in children and teens. The risk is highest if kids take aspirin while recovering from a viral illness, like the flu. The risk of developing Reye’s syndrome lessens with age. It isn’t an issue with other types of pain and fever medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Some OTC aspirin products may still include directions for children on the packaging. But always talk to a healthcare provider before giving aspirin if your child is younger than 19 years old.

What happens if you miss a dose of aspirin?

If you’re taking aspirin for pain or fever, it’s taken only when needed. So no worries about missing a dose. But remember to avoid repeating your dose sooner than every 4 hours. And pay attention to the maximum dose listed on the package. Don’t take extra medication to make up for doses that you forgot to take.

If your healthcare provider has told you to take aspirin daily, take your missed dose as soon as you remember it. But, if it’s getting close to when you’re due for your next dose, skip the missed dose. And continue with your regular dosing schedule. Don’t take a double dose to make up for the one you forgot.

What should you do if you take too much aspirin?

Taking too much aspirin (called salicylate toxicity) can be dangerous. Mild symptoms of salicylate toxicity can include vomiting, dizziness, or a ringing in the ear. But in severe cases, too much aspirin can cause seizures, coma, and even death.

If you or someone you know has taken more aspirin than recommended on the package, contact a healthcare provider or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. If you notice serious symptoms or a person has lost consciousness, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.

How to save on aspirin

There are ways to save on aspirin, which is available as a lower-cost generic medication. By having your healthcare provider write a prescription for OTC aspirin, GoodRx can help you save over 60% off the average retail price. Aspirin’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $2.80 with a free GoodRx discount.

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Written by:

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh, has 10 years of experience as a pharmacist. She has worked in a variety of settings, including retail, hospital, and ambulatory care.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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