Topic Overview
Aspirin (such as Bayer or Bufferin) relieves pain and reduces fever and inflammation.
Warning:
Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 unless your doctor tells you to do so because of the risk of
Reye syndrome .
Be sure to follow thenonprescription medicine precautions .
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). For information about other NSAIDs, seenonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) .
Side effects of aspirin include:
- Stomach upset or discomfort, which is the most common side effect. Taking aspirin with food may help.
- Ringing in the ears. Stop taking aspirin or take a smaller dose until the ringing goes away.
- Eye problems, such as blurred or double vision.
- Dizziness.
- Rapid, deep breathing.
Stop taking aspirin and call a health professional if side effects do not go away within 4 hours after the last dose of aspirin was taken.
Reasons not to take aspirin
Do not take aspirin if you:
- Are allergic to aspirin.
- Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
- Are breastfeeding.
- Have nasal polyps.
- Have a blood-clotting disorder or take blood thinners (anticoagulants).
- Have peptic ulcer disease.
- Have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Have a hangover.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer
William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Elizabeth T. Russo, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer
David Messenger, BSc, MD, FRCPC, FCCP - Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine
Current as ofNovember 20, 2017