Aspirin is used to prevent clots forming in your blood. This reduces your chance of having a stroke or a heart attack. It is also sometimes used for other conditions.
For information on aspirin for pain relief see Aspirin (for pain).
Take aspirin regularly as directed. You can take it with or without food.
Enteric coated (EC) tablet: Swallow whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew.
Soluble tablet: Dissolve in a glass of water before taking.
If 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.
Some medicines available without a prescription may react with aspirin including:
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.
Side Effects | Recommended action |
---|---|
Symptoms of allergy including: skin rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing Reduced number of blood cells that help your blood to clot - symptoms include: easy or unusual bleeding |
Tell your doctor immediately |
Easy or unusual bruising |
Tell your doctor |
Stomach upset |
Tell your health professional if troublesome |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.
Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023
For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
Te Reo Māori information sheets supported by Health Quality and Safety Commission New Zealand
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My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.
For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed