What  is aspirin? 

Aspirin  is in a group  of drugs called salicylates. It works  by reducing substances  in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. 

Aspirin  is used to treat  mild to moderate pain,  and also to reduce fever  or inflammation. It  is sometimes used to treat  or prevent  heart attacks, strokes, and angina. Aspirin should be  used for cardiovascular conditions only under  the supervision of a doctor. 

Important  information about aspirin

Aspirin  should not  be given  to a child  or teenager who has  a fever, especially if  the child also has flu symptoms  or chicken pox.  Aspirin can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called  Reye's syndrome in children. 

Stop using this medication  and call your doctor at once  if you have any symptoms  of bleeding in  your stomach  or intestines. Symptoms include black, bloody, or tarry stools, and coughing up blood or vomit  that looks like coffee grounds. 

Avoid drinking alcohol while  you are taking this medication. Alcohol may increase  your risk of stomach bleeding. 
Aspirin is sometimes used to treat or prevent  heart attacks, strokes,  and chest pain (angina).  Aspirin should be  used for cardiovascular conditions only under  the supervision of a doctor. 

Before taking aspirin 

Aspirin should not be given to  a child  or teenager who has  a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms  or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause a serious  and sometimes fatal condition called Reye's syndrome in children. Do not use this medication if you are allergic  to aspirin,  or if you have: 

• a recent history  of stomach  or intestinal bleeding; 
• a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;  or
• an allergy to an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Orudis, Indocin, Lodine, Voltaren, Toradol, Mobic, Relafen, Feldene, and others. 

If you have any  of these other conditions, you may need  a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take aspirin: 

• asthma  or seasonal allergies; 
• stomach ulcers; 
• liver disease; 
• kidney disease; 
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; 
• heart disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure; 
• gout; or 
• nasal polyps. 

If you are taking aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, avoid also taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Ibuprofen may make this medication less effective in protecting  your heart and blood vessels. If  you must use both medications, take the ibuprofen at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take the aspirin (non-enteric coated form). This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby's heart, and may also reduce birth weight or  have other dangerous effects. Tell  your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are taking this medication.  Aspirin can pass into breast milk  and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.