What does it do?

Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory medicine used to reduce pain, inflammation and fever.

For information on aspirin for other conditions, see aspirin (low-dose).

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have stomach, bowel, kidney, or bleeding problems, or if you have G6PD deficiency or asthma.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had problems with anti-inflammatory medicines.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take aspirin as directed.
Coated tablet: Take with a large glass of water. Swallow whole - do not crush or chew.
Dispersible tablet: Dissolve in water before taking.

What if you forget a dose?

If you take aspirin regularly and it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with aspirin including:

• anti-inflammatories, such as diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren®), or ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen®). These can also be found in some cold and flu medicines (e.g. Nurofen Cold and Flu®), and creams or gels (e.g. Voltaren Emulgel®).
• low-dose aspirin (e.g. Cartia®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Symptoms of allergy including: skin rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing Symptoms of a peptic ulcer including: tummy pain, red or black bowel motions, vomit that looks like coffee grounds Easy or unusual bruising or bleeding	Tell your doctor immediately
Ringing in the ears, hearing loss	Tell your doctor
Indigestion, nausea	Take with food and tell your doctor if symptoms continue

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• It is safe to take both paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medicines for pain relief if you need to.
• Anti-inflammatory medicines can sometimes cause kidney problems, especially in people who are dehydrated. Don’t take aspirin if you are dehydrated.
• Do not give aspirin to children unless prescribed by a doctor.