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Aspirin
Pain and fever at normal doses; a low daily dose is used, only on medical advice, to reduce clotting risk.
General information only, not medical advice, and no doses. Read the leaflet in your pack and ask a pharmacist about your own situation, other medicines, pregnancy or any health condition.
At a glance
| Generic name | Acetylsalicylic acid |
|---|---|
| Type | NSAID; at low dose, a blood-thinning (antiplatelet) medicine |
| Commonly used for | Pain and fever at normal doses; a low daily dose is used, only on medical advice, to reduce clotting risk. |
| With food? | Take with or after food to be gentler on the stomach. |
| Alcohol | Alcohol adds to the risk of stomach bleeding with aspirin. |
| Timing | With food; low-dose "heart" aspirin is a long-term routine set by a doctor. |
Food and drink
Take with or after food to be gentler on the stomach. Alcohol adds to the risk of stomach bleeding with aspirin.
When to take it
With food; low-dose "heart" aspirin is a long-term routine set by a doctor.
Good to know
It should not be given to children or teenagers with a viral illness because of the rare but serious Reye's syndrome. If anything about your own use is unclear, a pharmacist can advise for free.
Other common medicines
Paracetamol
Mild to moderate pain such as headache, toothache and muscle aches, and lowering a fever.
Ibuprofen
Pain, inflammation and fever — for example period pain, sprains, back pain and dental pain.
Naproxen
Pain and inflammation, including muscle and joint pain and period pain; it is longer-acting than ibuprofen.
Omeprazole
Heartburn, acid reflux and stomach or gut ulcers.
Loratadine
Hay fever and other allergies, and itchy hives.
Cetirizine
Hay fever, allergies and hives.
Source: General medicine information paraphrased from standard patient-information-leaflet guidance. Always read the leaflet in your pack. · checked 2026-09-04
Frequently asked questions
What is Aspirin used for?
Pain and fever at normal doses; a low daily dose is used, only on medical advice, to reduce clotting risk.
Can I drink alcohol with Aspirin?
Alcohol adds to the risk of stomach bleeding with aspirin.
Should I take Aspirin with food?
Take with or after food to be gentler on the stomach.
See the pattern over time
TempoLife logs symptoms, food and sleep, so you can bring a clear picture to your pharmacist or doctor.