Aspirin Uses

Over-the-counter aspirin is used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain such as menstrual pain, headache, muscle aches, toothache, and arthritis. Low doses of aspirin are used to prevent cardiovascular disease and lower the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. Aspirin is taken for primary prevention as well as secondary prevention in people with a history of blood clots or blood vessel disease. Aspirin may be given with other antiplatelet drugs as part of dual antiplatelet therapy to prevent blood clots that cause a heart attack or stroke. Doctors sometimes prescribe aspirin (high-dose aspirin) to treat rheumatological conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Adjunctive aspirin therapy may be used for other conditions. Your healthcare professional or pharmacist can give you further aspirin drug information.

Aspirin Mechanism of Action

Aspirin blocks the production of certain substances in the body that cause fever, pain, and swelling. It can also lower the risk of blood clot formation and thereby reduce the risk of heart attack and ischemic stroke.

Aspirin Doses

Aspirin is available in doses of 81 mg and 325 mg. The usual dose of aspirin is 325 mg to 650 mg every 4-6 hours to treat fever and pain. The maximum dose of aspirin is 4 grams (4,000 mg) per day. 

Low-dose aspirin therapy can help prevent blood clots and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease. A daily aspirin regimen of 81 mg is therefore used as a preventive medication. 

Note: Aspirin is available in different dosage strengths. If you're on low-dose aspirin (81 mg) to lower your risk of heart attack or stroke, make sure you’re taking the correct aspirin dose (81 mg) and not higher doses (325 mg or more). Higher doses of aspirin can increase bleeding risk and cause other side effects.