Aspirin

What does aspirin look like?

Aspirin comes in different forms including:

• tablet
• capsules
• soluble or chewable
• suppository
• liquids.⁴

Other names

Aspirin may also be known by its brand or trade names. Some common examples include:

How is aspirin used?

Aspirin is usually swallowed. In a healthcare setting, it can be injected or inserted in the rectum.¹⁶

Effects of aspirin

Use of any drug can have risks. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

Aspirin affects everyone differently, based on:

• size, weight and health
• whether the person is used to taking it
• whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• the amount taken
• the strength of the drug (varies by brand).

Side effects

The most common side effects of aspirin are:

• dizziness
• ringing in the ears
• blurred vision
• drowsiness and fatigue
• thirst and sweating
• swollen ankles
• abdominal discomfort or bloating
• nausea
• heartburn
• diarrhoea
• constipation.⁴

Overdose

If you take a large amount of aspirin, you could overdose. Overdose symptoms usually occur within 6-12 hours of taking aspirin.¹⁷

Asprin can cause death. Call an ambulance straight away by dialling triple zero (000) if you, or someone else, has taken too much aspirin or is experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• nausea or vomiting
• trouble breathing (rapid or shallow breath)
• ringing ears or unable to hear
• sweating
• fever
• confusion
• seizures
• coma.⁴

Long-term effects

Regular use of aspirin may eventually cause:

• anaemia (low red blood cell count)
• easy bruising and abnormal bleeding
• inflamed stomach lining, stomach bleeding, and peptic ulcers
• vomiting blood that look like coffee grounds
• bowel motions that look like black tar
• in some rare cases swelling of the face, lips, tongue or around the eyes
• reduced kidney and liver function.¹⁸

Tolerance and dependence 

Aspirin does not produce tolerance or dependence, though some people may develop a psychological dependence on the drug.¹⁹

Mixing aspirin with other drugs

Mixing aspirin with other drugs can have unpredictable effects and increase the risk of harm.

• Aspirin and alcohol: can increase the risk of stomach irritation and discomfort.
• Aspirin and warfarin/other blood thinning medicines: may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Aspirin and Ibuprofen: combining these medications may increase your risk of developing gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding.^4,20

Use of more than one drug or type of drug consumed at the same time is called polydrug use.²²

Reducing Harm

There are ways you can reduce the risk of harm when taking aspirin:

• Check with your doctor/pharmacist before taking aspirin, especially if you use other medications or are pregnant/breastfeeding
• Follow directions on packet and don’t exceed recommended dose within 24-hour period
• People with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders, liver or kidney damage, or gout should consult with their doctor before using aspirin.
• Consult your doctor if you have any other underlying health conditions that could interact with aspirin.
• Avoid long-term use of aspirin where possible.^18,20,21

Withdrawal

If the recommended dose is taken , no withdrawal effect should occur.

If you stop taking aspirin suddenly or miss a dose when receiving aspirin therapy, it can increase the risk of cardiovascular events and be dangerous.23

Getting help

If your use of aspirin is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.

Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs

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If you're looking for other information or support options, send us an email at druginfo@adf.org.au