• Aspirin is in a group of drugs called salicylates. It is used to reduce fever and relieve minor to moderate pain from conditions such as headaches, toothaches, and minor aches and pains. Aspirin may also be used to lessen the chance of heart attack, or other problems that may occur when a blood vessel is blocked by blood clots.

How should you take this medication?

• Aspirin may be taken with or without food. Taking aspirin with food or milk can lessen stomach upset.
   
• Take Aspirin with a full glass of water.
   
• Do not crush, chew, break, or open an enteric-coated or extended-release pill. Swallow the pill whole. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating. The chewable tablet form of aspirin must be chewed before swallowing.
   
• If your medical doctor has ordered you to take this medicine according to a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

General Precautions with Aspirin

• Before taking Aspirin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or to other salicylates.
   
• Aspirin should not be given to a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox.
   
• If you consume 3 or more alcohol-containing drinks every day, ask your doctor whether you should take Aspirin or other pain relievers/fever reducers. Alcohol use combined with Aspirin may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.
   
• Aspirin may reduce the number of blood cells that are needed for clotting. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. Report any unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in stools, or dark tarry stools to your doctor.
   

What are the possible side effects of Aspirin?

• Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
   
• Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: black, bloody, or tarry stools, bloody urine, loss of hearing, severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain, increased sweating; increased thirst, vision problems.
   
• Check with your doctor if any of these common side effects persist or become bothersome: stomach cramps, heartburn, nausea or vomiting.