DoseFacts.in

Aspirin: Uses, How It Works, Medicines

Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is a medicine that, at a low daily dose, makes the blood less likely to clot. Low-dose aspirin, usually 75 to 150 mg a day, is prescribed to lower the risk of another heart attack or stroke in people with heart or blood vessel disease. At higher doses it relieves pain, fever and inflammation, as it belongs to the NSAID family. It is not given to children under 16 unless a specialist advises it, because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Also known as: Acetylsalicylic acid, ASA, Aspirin tablet, Low-dose aspirin, Aspirin 75 mg, Acetylsalicylate

Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.

How does Aspirin work?

Aspirin blocks the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase (COX) for good. In platelets this stops them making thromboxane A2, the signal they use to clump together, and because platelets cannot make new enzyme the effect lasts for their 7 to 10 day life. At higher doses, blocking COX in other tissues also lowers the prostaglandins that cause pain, fever and swelling.

How to take Aspirin

Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Low-dose aspirin for preventing clots is usually 75 to 150 mg once a day, and higher single doses are used for short-term pain or fever. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.

Side effects of Aspirin

Most people take aspirin without serious problems. Because it makes the blood clot less easily, the main risks are stomach irritation and bleeding.

Uncommon or mild

  • Indigestion or stomach ache
  • Feeling sick (nausea)
  • Bruising more easily
  • Bleeding for longer than usual from small cuts, nosebleeds or bleeding gums

Rare but serious: get medical help

  • Signs of bleeding in the stomach or gut: black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, or stomach pain with pale skin and weakness. Get medical help immediately
  • Signs of bleeding in the brain: a sudden severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking or fits. Call 112 straight away
  • Signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, an itchy raised rash, or difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing, shortness of breath or an asthma attack, especially in people with asthma
  • A serious skin reaction: red skin with blisters or peeling, or sores in the mouth
  • Ringing in the ears or reduced hearing

Who should be careful

Some people need to check with a doctor before taking aspirin, or need extra care while taking it.

  • A stomach or duodenal ulcer now or in the past, or past bleeding from the stomach or gut
  • A bleeding disorder such as haemophilia, or a low platelet count
  • Asthma, nasal polyps, or a past reaction to aspirin, ibuprofen or another NSAID, such as wheezing, a rash or swelling
  • Gout: aspirin can raise uric acid levels and may trigger an attack
  • Severe liver or kidney disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Older age: older people are more likely to have stomach bleeding
  • Surgery or dental work: tell the surgeon or dentist that you take aspirin. Your doctor will decide whether it should be paused
  • Fever during dengue season: see a doctor and mention aspirin, because aspirin is avoided in dengue
  • Children and teenagers under 16: aspirin is linked to Reye's syndrome and is not given unless a specialist advises it
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding: low-dose aspirin is sometimes prescribed in pregnancy, but only on a doctor's advice; higher doses are avoided, especially from 20 weeks

Medicines and things that interact with Aspirin

Aspirin interacts with many medicines, mostly by raising the risk of bleeding. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including painkillers bought over the counter.

  • Blood thinners such as warfarin, acenocoumarol, heparin, rivaroxaban or apixaban: the risk of serious bleeding is higher
  • Other antiplatelet medicines such as clopidogrel, prasugrel or ticagrelor: sometimes prescribed together on purpose, for example after a stent, but bleeding is more likely
  • NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen or mefenamic acid: more risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. Regular ibuprofen may also weaken the clot-protecting effect of low-dose aspirin
  • Antidepressants called SSRIs, such as sertraline or paroxetine, and steroid tablets such as prednisolone: more risk of stomach bleeding
  • Methotrexate: aspirin can raise methotrexate levels and the risk of side effects
  • Some blood pressure and heart medicines, such as ACE inhibitors and water tablets (diuretics): aspirin may lower their effect and strain the kidneys
  • Lithium, digoxin and valproate: aspirin can raise their levels
  • Diabetes medicines called sulfonylureas, such as glimepiride: blood sugar may fall lower than expected
  • Alcohol: raises the risk of stomach bleeding

If someone takes too much

Taking one extra tablet by mistake is unlikely to cause harm, but larger amounts of aspirin can be dangerous. Signs include ringing in the ears, vomiting, fast breathing, confusion and, in severe cases, fits. If someone has taken much more than prescribed, especially a child, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.

Regulatory status in India

Approved for sale in India. Single-ingredient aspirin is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Fixed-dose combinations that contain aspirin with other medicines may be treated differently, so check the ingredient list on the pack.

Type of medicine

Aspirin belongs to this type of medicine.

Medicines that contain Aspirin

These medicines sold in India contain Aspirin. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.

  • Ecosprin 75 · 75 mg gastro-resistant (enteric-coated) tablet

What is Aspirin used for?

Medicines that contain Aspirin are used for these conditions.

Common questions

What is the difference between low-dose aspirin and aspirin for pain?

Low-dose aspirin, usually 75 mg, is taken every day on a doctor's advice to lower the risk of clots. Aspirin for pain is usually 300 mg or more per dose and is taken only for a short time. Low-dose tablets are not meant to relieve pain or fever.

Who should not take aspirin?

Children under 16 unless a specialist advises it, people who have had an allergic reaction to aspirin or another NSAID, and people with a stomach ulcer or a bleeding disorder. People with asthma, gout, or liver or kidney disease need a doctor's advice first.

Why is aspirin avoided in dengue?

Dengue can lower the platelet count and cause bleeding. Aspirin and ibuprofen make bleeding more likely, so they are avoided when dengue is possible. Paracetamol is the medicine usually used for fever in dengue. See a doctor for any fever during dengue season.

Is Ecosprin 75 the same as aspirin?

Ecosprin 75 is a brand name. Its tablet contains aspirin alone, 75 mg per gastro-resistant tablet, so the medicine is aspirin. It is a low-dose form meant for preventing clots on a doctor's prescription, not for pain. Check the ingredient list and strength on the pack.

What is the difference between aspirin and paracetamol?

Both can ease pain and fever, but they work differently. Aspirin is an NSAID that also reduces inflammation and, at low dose, makes platelets less sticky, so it can cause stomach irritation and bleeding. Paracetamol has no blood-thinning effect. Ask a doctor or pharmacist which suits you.

Can I drink alcohol while taking aspirin?

Alcohol and aspirin both irritate the stomach lining, so drinking raises the risk of stomach bleeding, especially with regular use. If you take aspirin every day, limit alcohol and ask your doctor what is safe for you.

Can I take aspirin in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Low-dose aspirin is sometimes prescribed in pregnancy, but only on a doctor's advice. Higher doses are avoided, especially from 20 weeks. Small amounts pass into breast milk. Ask your doctor before taking any aspirin product while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Should aspirin be taken before or after food?

Aspirin can irritate the stomach, so many labels advise taking it with or after food. Swallow coated tablets whole with water and do not crush or chew them. Follow the label or your doctor's advice for your product.

Sources

  1. Aspirin 75 mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics (revised 31/01/2026). electronic medicines compendium (emc), UK (Dexcel Pharma Ltd)
  2. Aspirin: medicine for pain relief or preventing blood clots. NHS (UK)
  3. Aspirin. StatPearls, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), US National Library of Medicine
  4. Aspirin for Reducing Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke: Know the Facts. US Food and Drug Administration
  5. Dengue and severe dengue (fact sheet). World Health Organization
  6. ATC/DDD Index: B01AC Platelet aggregation inhibitors excl. heparin. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology