Aspirin: What It Is, How It Works, and When to Use It

Ever wonder why a tiny white tablet can stop a headache or protect your heart? That’s aspirin. It belongs to the NSAID family, meaning it reduces pain, fever, and inflammation by blocking chemicals called prostaglandins.

How to Take Aspirin Safely

Start with the right dose. For occasional headaches, 325‑500 mg every four to six hours works for most adults. If a doctor prescribed low‑dose aspirin (usually 81 mg) to lower heart attack risk, take it once daily with food or a full glass of water.

Don’t exceed 4 g in a day – that’s the upper limit for adults. Going over can damage your stomach lining and cause bleeding. If you have a sensitive stomach, try an enteric‑coated version; it dissolves farther down your gut where it’s less harsh.

When to Skip Aspirin

If you’re pregnant, especially in the third trimester, avoid aspirin unless a doctor says otherwise. It can affect fetal blood flow.

People with a history of ulcers, bleeding disorders, or who take blood thinners like warfarin should also steer clear. Mixing aspirin with alcohol increases stomach irritation, so keep drinks to a minimum.

Kids and teenagers with viral infections need to stay away from aspirin because it can trigger Reye’s syndrome – a rare but serious condition.

Common Questions About Aspirin

• Can I use aspirin for a fever? Yes, the standard 500 mg dose works well for most fevers.
• Is aspirin better than ibuprofen? It depends. Aspirin is preferred for heart protection; ibuprofen may be gentler on the stomach for pain relief.
• How long does it take to work? Pain relief usually starts within 30 minutes, while its blood‑thinning effect builds over a few days of regular use.

Always read the label and follow any doctor’s instructions. If you’re unsure about interactions with other meds – like antidepressants or steroids – ask your pharmacist.

Aspirin is cheap, widely available, and useful for many everyday aches. But treat it like any medicine: respect the dose, watch for side effects, and know when to skip it. Doing so keeps you safe while enjoying its benefits.