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View this article online at: patient.info/medicine/aspirin-for-pain-or-fever-anadin-original-disprin

Aspirin for pain or fever (Anadin Original,

Disprin)
You can take a dose of aspirin every 4-6 hours if needed, but do not take more than 4 g in
any 24-hour period.

You must not take these tablets with any other preparation which contains aspirin, nor with
any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkiller.
Do not give aspirin to children under 16 years of age.

About aspirin
Type of medicine An antipyretic analgesic
Used for Relief of fever, and aches and pains such as headache, toothache and period pains
Also called Anadin Original; Disprin; acetylsalicylic acid
Available as Tablets, dispersible tablets, and enteric-coated tablets

Aspirin is a painkiller which can be taken to relieve pain such as headache, toothache and period pain. It is also
suitable to treat cold and 'flu-like' symptoms, and to reduce a high temperature (fever). It can be taken by adults
and children over 16 years of age, but it is not suitable for younger children. In the past, aspirin has also been
used to reduce pain and inflammation in rheumatic conditions, but other medicines are now usually preferred.
Low-strength aspirin is also prescribed to help prevent unwanted blood clots from forming within the body. There
is more information about aspirin when it is used for this reason in a separate leaflet called Aspirin to prevent
blood clots.

Before taking aspirin

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used
if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking aspirin it is important that your doctor or
pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.

If you have ever had a stomach ulcer or gout.
If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder.
If you have any problems with the way your liver works or with the way your kidneys work.
If you have heart failure or a problem with your thyroid gland.
If you have a blood disorder such as haemophilia, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)
deficiency.
If you have ever had an unusual or allergic-type reaction after taking aspirin or a non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs include ibuprofen, diclofenac, indometacin and naproxen. You
should also let your doctor know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other medicine.
If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available
to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
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How to take aspirin

Before you start taking aspirin, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your
pack. It will give you more information about aspirin and will provide you with a full list of the side-
effects which you may experience from taking it.
Take aspirin exactly as you have been told to, or as directed on the label of the pack. The
recommended dose ranges from one to three (300 mg) tablets every 4-6 hours when needed. Never
take more than 4 g (13 tablets) in any 24-hour period.
If you have been given dispersible (soluble) tablets, take each of your doses stirred into a small glass
of water.
Aspirin (other than gastro-resistant tablets) should be taken with, or straight after, a meal or snack.
This helps to reduce the risk of any stomach irritation. Gastro-resistant tablets (also called enteric-
coated or EC tablets) can be taken before food as these have a special coating which will help to
protect your stomach from irritation.
Gastro-resistant tablets should be swallowed whole - do not crush or chew them. You can take them
with a drink of water to help you swallow. Do not take indigestion remedies during the two hours before
and the two hours after taking gastro-resistant tablets. This is because the antacid in the indigestion
remedy affects the way the coating on these tablets works.
If you forget to take a dose, do not worry. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten
dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

Aspirin must not be given to children under the age of 16 unless it has been prescribed by a doctor to
treat a specific condition. This is because there is a possible association between aspirin and Reye's
syndrome in children. Reye's syndrome is a very rare disease that can be fatal.
Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe
for you to take. You should not take other preparations which contain aspirin; neither should you take
any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen. Many painkillers and cold and flu
remedies contain aspirin or ibuprofen - these should be avoided. Always read the label to check, or ask
your pharmacist for advice.
If you suspect that you have taken an overdose of aspirin, or that someone else (especially if it is a
child) might have taken it accidentally, go to the accident and emergency department of your local
hospital straightaway. This is very important because aspirin can cause serious problems when it is
taken accidentally or in overdose. Take the container with you to show what has been taken, even if the
pack is now empty.

Can aspirin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone
experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with aspirin. You will
find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often
improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the
following continue or become troublesome.

Common aspirin side-effects (these affect

less than 1 in 10 people)
Feeling sick, indigestion
Increased risk of bleeding (such as nose
bleeds)
What can I do if I experience this?
Stick to simple foods and take your dose of aspirin after a meal. If this continues,
speak with your doctor for further advice.
If you notice any unexplained bleeding, speak with a doctor for advice.

Important: aspirin may cause allergic reactions; this is more common in people who have asthma. Stop taking
aspirin and speak with a doctor urgently if you have an allergic reaction or develop any breathing difficulties.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or
pharmacist for further advice.
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How to store aspirin

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this
medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is
empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are
taking.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Further reading & references

Manufacturer's PIL, Aspirin Tablets 300 mg; Activis UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2013.
British National Formulary; 67th Edition (March 2014) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of
Great Britain, London

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical
conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its
accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
For details see our conditions.

Original Author: Current Version: Peer Reviewer:

Helen Allen Helen Allen Dr Hannah Gronow
Document ID: Last Checked: Next Review:
3205 (v24) 22/08/2014 21/08/2017

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