How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise known as aspirin. Aspirin belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase. Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body. These are known as prostaglandins, prostacyclins and thromboxane. With low doses of aspirin, eg 75mg, the blocking of cyclo-oxygenase prevents the production of thromboxane by blood cells called platelets. Thromboxane is one of the chemicals that causes platelets to clump together and start off the clotting process. Stopping its production therefore reduces the likelihood of clots forming in the blood. Clots in the blood can cause a heart attack or stroke, therefore low dose aspirin is used to prevent this in people who are at risk. With high doses of aspirin, eg 300mg, the blocking of cyclo-oxygenase also prevents the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury or certain diseases and would otherwise go on to cause pain, swelling and inflammation. High doses of aspirin are therefore used to relieve pain and inflammation. See the 'Aspirin (300mg)' factsheet for more information about this use of aspirin. Aspirin is also used in the emergency situation of a heart attack. Anyone who has the symptoms of a heart attack (chest pain, possibly radiating towards the arm or neck, shortness of breath) should take one 300mg aspirin tablet as soon as possible, as this has been shown to increase the chances of surviving a heart attack. This is because the aspirin prevents the blood clot that is blocking the supply of blood to the heart from growing any bigger. The tablet can be crushed under the tongue for faster absorption into the bloodstream, as the area under the tongue is very rich in blood vessels.

What is it used for?

Prevention of blood clots in the blood vessels in people at risk of a heart attack or stroke

Warning!

You should consult your doctor if you are considering taking aspirin to reduce the risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack, to make sure it would be a suitable thing for you to do. Aspirin can actually increase the risk of a particular type of stroke in certain people, and it may also have side effects that outweigh its potential benefits for some people.

Children under 16 years of age should not take aspirin, unless on the advice of a doctor. This is because aspirin use in children has been associated with a rare condition called Reye's syndrome. This condition affects the brain and liver and though extremely rare, can be fatal. The causes of Reye's syndrome are not fully understood, but use of aspirin to treat fever in children with a virus has been implicated. There are many paracetamol and ibuprofen products not associated with Reye's syndrome available to treat pain and fever in this age group. For more advice talk to your pharmacist.

Use with caution in

Asthma

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

High blood pressure

History of breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)

History of peptic ulcers

People in whom aspirin or other NSAIDs, eg ibuprofen, cause allergic reactions such as asthma attacks, itchy rash (urticaria), nasal inflammation (rhinitis) or swelling of the lips, tongue and throat (angioedema)

Not to be used in

Bleeding disorders

Blood clotting disorder (haemophilia)

Breastfeeding

Children under 16 years of age

Peptic ulcer

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy, as it may affect the growth and development of the foetus or have harmful effects on foetal tissues. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during any stage of pregnancy.

Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers as it may be harmful to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medication.

This medication contains aspirin.

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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