How To Use Aspirin

Aspirin comes in the form of a regular tablet, chewable tablet, delayed-release tablet, powder, or gum to be taken by mouth. Non-prescription aspirin is taken every 4-6 hours to treat fever and pain. Low-dose aspirin is taken once a day to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Prescription aspirin comes as a long-acting (extended release) tablet and is taken 1-2 times a day. 

Read the package instructions or prescription label carefully. Do not take higher dose aspirin or more frequent doses than directed. 

Swallow the extended-release tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not cut, crush, or chew them. Take the delayed-release tablets with a full glass of water. Drink water after chewing or swallowing aspirin tablets.

Check with your child’s doctor before giving them aspirin. Aspirin can cause a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome in children and teenagers, especially after a viral infection like the flu or chickenpox. 

Ask your doctor what types of aspirin are safe to take after oral surgery or tonsillectomy (having your tonsils out).

If your fever lasts more than 3 days, pain lasts more than 10 days, or the area of pain becomes red or swollen, stop taking aspirin and contact your doctor.

Missed dose: If you take low-dose aspirin on a daily basis and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for missed doses.

Storage: Store aspirin at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused aspirin should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw aspirin in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded aspirin is through a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on aspirin. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about aspirin, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.

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