Ever reached for that small white pill when your head’s pounding or your joints are aching? Chances are, it was aspirin — one of the oldest and most widely used medications in the world. But aspirin isn’t just about easing pain. It plays a surprisingly large role in preventing heart attacks, managing inflammation, and even reducing the risk of certain cancers.
Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Aspirin Used For?
Aspirin is a bit of a multitasker. Depending on how and why it’s prescribed, it can:
- Ease pain – from a mild headache to toothache and muscle pain
- Reduce fever
- Lower inflammation – especially in conditions like arthritis
- Prevent heart attacks and strokes – by keeping blood from clotting too easily
- Reduce cancer risk – there’s growing evidence it may lower colorectal cancer risk with long-term use
That’s a lot of work for one little pill, isn’t it?
How Does Aspirin Work?
Let’s break it down with a simple analogy:
Imagine your body has tiny workers that build “clots” to plug up injuries — like emergency road crews filling potholes. These workers rely on instructions from a molecule called prostaglandin.
Now, aspirin steps in like a traffic controller and says, “Hold up!” It blocks an enzyme called COX (cyclooxygenase), which your body uses to make prostaglandins. No instructions? No clot. And fewer messages for pain and inflammation, too.
So:
- Less COX → Less prostaglandin → Less pain, swelling, fever, and clotting
That’s why aspirin helps with both aches and arteries.
Dosage: How Much Is Just Right?
Dosage depends on why you’re taking it. Here’s a general guide:
- For pain or fever:
Adults – 300 to 900 mg every 4–6 hours (maximum 4,000 mg/day)
Children – Not recommended without doctor’s advice due to risk of Reye’s syndrome - For heart health (low-dose aspirin):
Typically 75–100 mg once daily – sometimes called “baby aspirin”
Important: Always follow your doctor’s advice — especially if you’re using aspirin for heart protection. More is not always better.
Side Effects: The Bitter Aftertaste
Aspirin might be powerful, but it’s not without risks. Common side effects include:
- Stomach upset or pain
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Bruising easily
- Bleeding more than usual (like with cuts or periods)
Less common but serious:
- Stomach ulcers or bleeding
- Ringing in the ears (a sign of overdose)
- Allergic reactions (especially if you have asthma)
If you’re popping aspirin daily for your heart, be sure to check in regularly with your healthcare provider.
Can You Take Aspirin During Pregnancy?
Here’s where it gets a bit tricky.
- In early pregnancy, low-dose aspirin (75–150 mg) may be prescribed for women at risk of preeclampsia — a dangerous condition that can develop later in pregnancy.
- In later pregnancy, however, high-dose aspirin can affect the baby’s heart and kidney development, and even cause complications during delivery.
Moral of the story? Don’t self-medicate. Always consult your obstetrician first.
What About Breastfeeding?
Low-dose aspirin is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. Only small amounts pass into breast milk.
However, high doses are not recommended, as they could increase the risk of bleeding in both mum and baby. So if you’re breastfeeding and on aspirin, your doctor should know and help guide the safest plan.
Who Should Avoid Aspirin? (Contraindications)
Certain people should avoid aspirin unless a doctor says otherwise. That includes those who:
- Have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders
- Are allergic to NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen)
- Have asthma triggered by NSAIDs
- Are children with viral infections – due to risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition
- Have severe liver or kidney disease
It’s not a one-size-fits-all pill — and sometimes, it can do more harm than good if misused.
Drug Interactions: What Not to Mix with Aspirin
Aspirin doesn’t always play nicely with others. Mixing it with certain medications can increase the risk of bleeding or reduce its effectiveness.
Here are some notable interactions:
- Warfarin or other blood thinners – raises bleeding risk
- Other NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) – can cancel out heart benefits and increase stomach damage
- Steroids – increase risk of stomach ulcers
- Antidepressants (SSRIs) – may increase bleeding tendency
- Methotrexate – aspirin can raise its blood levels to toxic range
So, if you’re taking multiple meds — especially for heart disease, arthritis, or mental health — let your doctor or pharmacist know. They’ll help avoid any dangerous crossovers.
Final Thoughts: Is Aspirin Right for You?
Aspirin may be an over-the-counter medication, but it shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s powerful, versatile, and — in the right hands — potentially lifesaving. But it also comes with risks, especially if taken casually or in the wrong dose.
So the big question is: Should you be taking aspirin?
The best answer? Talk to your doctor. That little white pill could be a friend — or a foe — depending on how and why it’s used.
References
- “Aspirin: mechanism of action, major toxicities, and uses”, Clinical Medicine Insights: Therapeutics, 2011
https://doi.org/10.4137/CMT.S7226 - “Aspirin in the primary and secondary prevention of vascular disease: collaborative meta-analysis”, The Lancet, 2009
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60503-1 - “FDA Drug Safety Communication: Avoid use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later”, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2020. https://www.fda.gov
- “Aspirin use during breastfeeding”, LactMed, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/