NZ Formulary

Aspirin (for pain)

ass-prin

What does it do?

Aspirin reduces pain, inflammation and fever.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have stomach, liver, kidney, or bleeding problems, or if you have high blood pressure, G6PD deficiency or asthma.
  • Tell your doctor if you have ever had problems with anti-inflammatories.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take aspirin tablets with food and a glass of water.
Coated tablet: Swallow whole. Do not crush or chew.
Soluble tablet: Dissolve in water before taking.
Suppository: Remove the wrapper before inserting into the rectum.

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 EffectsRecommended action

Stomach pain, coughing or vomiting of blood, black bowel motions

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 bruising or bleeding

Tell your doctor immediately

Ringing in the ears

Tell your doctor

Indigestion, nausea

Anal irritation with suppository use

Tell your doctor if troublesome

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

Other information:

  • Do not give aspirin to children unless prescribed by a doctor.
  • In most cases, paracetamol and/or codeine may be safely used while taking aspirin.