Aspirin Side Effects 

Side Effects of  Aspirin - for the Consumer 

Aspirin 

All medicines  may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side  effects. Check with  your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist  or become bothersome when using Aspirin: 

Heartburn; nausea; upset stomach. 

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin: 

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe or persistent stomach pain; unusual bruising; vomiting. 

Aspirin/Carisoprodol/Codeine

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Carisoprodol/Codeine:
Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; indigestion; lightheadedness; nausea; mild  stomach pain or upset; vomiting. 

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Carisoprodol/Codeine: 

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; blurred vision; fainting; fast heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; loss of coordination; mood or mental changes (eg, agitation, depression, irritability); ringing in the ears; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness, drowsiness, or stomach pain; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; shallow or very slow breathing; tremors; unusual bruising or bleeding; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; wheezing. 

Aspirin/Caffeine/Dihydrocodeine

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON  side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Caffeine/Dihydrocodeine:
Blurred vision; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; heartburn; lightheadedness; nausea; upset stomach; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if  any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Caffeine/Dihydrocodeine: 

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in  the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black stools; confusion; diarrhea; difficulty swallowing; excessive drowsiness; hearing loss; hoarseness; mood or mental changes; ringing in the ears; shortness of breath; sweating. 

Aspirin with Codeine 

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with  your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin with Codeine: 

Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; heartburn; lightheadedness; nausea; upset stomach; vomiting. 

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin with Codeine: 

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black stools; blurred vision; confusion; diarrhea; difficulty swallowing; fast heartbeat; fast, irregular breathing or shortness of breath; hoarseness; ringing in the ears or hearing loss; severe drowsiness or dizziness; sweating; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual thirst; vision changes. 

Aspirin/Caffeine/Propoxyphene

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Caffeine/Propoxyphene:
Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; lightheadedness; nausea; vomiting. 

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Caffeine/Propoxyphene: 

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest;  swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); anxiety; black or bloody stools; cold or clammy skin; confusion; decreased urination; excessive sweating; hallucinations; hearing loss; loss of appetite; loss of consciousness; mental or mood changes; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe drowsiness or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or heartburn; unusual bruising or bleeding; vision changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes. 

Aspirin/Caffeine

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no,  or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Caffeine: 

Dizziness; heartburn; irritability; nausea; nervousness; upset stomach. 

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Caffeine: 
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching;  difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; diarrhea; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe or persistent dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or heartburn; shakiness; trouble sleeping; vomiting. 

Aspirin/Butalbital/Caffeine/Codeine

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Butalbital/Caffeine/Codeine:
Dizziness; drowsiness; gas; indigestion; lightheadedness; nausea; stomach pain. 

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Butalbital/Caffeine/Codeine: 

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; severe drowsiness; shallow breathing; unusual bruising or bleeding. 

Aspirin/Carisoprodol

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Carisoprodol: 

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; indigestion; nausea; mild stomach pain or upset; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Carisoprodol: 
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; change in the amount of urine produced; fainting; fast heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; loss of appetite; loss of coordination; mood or mental changes (eg, agitation, depression, irritability); painful urination; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness or stomach pain; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; tremors; unusual bruising or bleeding; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; weight loss; wheezing. 

Aspirin/Butalbital/Caffeine 

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Butalbital/Caffeine:
Dizziness; drowsiness; gas; lightheadedness; nausea; vomiting. 

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Butalbital/Caffeine: 
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness  in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; fast heartbeat; red, swollen, or blistered skin; stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding. 

Aspirin/Salicylamide/Caffeine

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any  of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Salicylamide/Caffeine:
Heartburn; nausea; upset stomach. 

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Salicylamide/Caffeine: 

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; diarrhea; drowsiness;  hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe or persistent dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or heartburn; shakiness; trouble sleeping; vomiting.
If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. 

Aspirin/Oxycodone

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Oxycodone: 

Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; heartburn; lightheadedness; nausea; stomach upset; vomiting. 

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Oxycodone: 

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black stools; confusion; dark urine; decreased urination; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hearing loss; hoarseness; mood or mental changes; muscle pain; one-sided weakness; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe dizziness or drowsiness; severe or persistent heartburn or stomach pain; shortness of breath; trouble swallowing; unusual bruising or bleeding; vision or speech problems; vomit  that looks like coffee grounds; wheezing; yellowing of the skin or eyes. 

Aspirin Chewable Tablets 

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin Chewable Tablets: 

Heartburn; nausea; upset stomach. 

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin Chewable Tablets: 
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness  in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe stomach pain; unusual bruising; vomiting. 

Aspirin Controlled-Release Tablets 

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin Controlled-Release Tablets:
Heartburn; nausea; upset stomach. 

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin Controlled-Release Tablets: 

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);  black or bloody stools; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe stomach pain; vomiting. 

Aspirin Delayed-Release Tablets 

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin Delayed-Release Tablets:
Heartburn; nausea; upset stomach. 

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using  Aspirin Delayed-Release Tablets: 

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe stomach pain; vomiting. 

Aspirin Effervescent Tablets 

All medicines  may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side  effects. Check with  your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin Effervescent Tablets:
Heartburn; nausea; upset stomach. 

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin Effervescent Tablets: 

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black stools; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe stomach pain;  unusual bruising; vomiting. 

Aspirin/Dipyridamole Extended-Release Capsules 

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no,  or minor, side effects. Check with  your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Dipyridamole Extended-Release Capsules: 

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; heartburn; indigestion; stomach pain. 

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Dipyridamole Extended-Release Capsules: 

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty swallowing or breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the hands, mouth, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue); bloody or black, tarry stools; chest pain; convulsions; dark urine or pale stools; hoarseness; memory loss; nausea; severe stomach pain; stroke; unusual fatigue; vomiting with or without blood; yellowing of the skin or eyes. 

Aspirin Gum 

All medicines  may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin Gum: 

Heartburn; nausea; upset stomach. 

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin Gum: 
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe or persistent stomach pain; unusual bruising; vomiting. 

Aspirin Suppositories 

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin Suppositories: 

Rectal irritation. 

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin Suppositories: 
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); rectal bleeding; Reye syndrome (nausea; vomiting; fever); ringing in your ears; stomach pain. 

Side Effects by Body System 

Gastrointestinal 

Endoscopically identifiable gastric mucosal lesions occur in most patients who receive  a single dose of aspirin. Clinically evident gastrointestinal bleeding has been reported in as many as 3% of treated elderly patients. Anorectal ulceration and rectal stenosis have been reported in patients who abuse aspirin-containing rectal suppositories. One case-controlled study has suggested that an association between aspirin (and other NSAID) consumption and appendicitis may exist. 

The risk of developing dyspeptic events (i.e., epigastric pain, heartburn, nausea, ulcers) is low in rheumatic patients with no prior gastrointestinal symptoms who receive low-dose (less than 650 mg/day) aspirin therapy. 

Gastrointestinal side effects have included epigastric distress (in as many as 83% of patients treated with regular aspirin), abdominal discomfort or pain, endoscopically identifiable gastric mucosal lesions, nausea, and vomiting. More serious gastrointestinal effects include hemorrhage, peptic ulcers, perforation, small bowel enteropathy, and esophageal ulcerations. 

Renal 

The mechanism of an aspirin-induced decrease in renal function may be related  to inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis with consequent decreases in renal blood flow. Vasodilating renal prostaglandins may be particularly important in patients who exhibit arterial underfilling (i.e. heart failure, cirrhosis). The administration of high doses of NSAIDs to such patients has produced acute renal failure in rare instances. 

Renal side effects have included reduction in glomerular filtration rate (particularly in patients who are sodium restricted or who exhibit diminished effective arterial blood volume, such as patients with advanced heart failure or cirrhosis), interstitial nephritis, papillary necrosis, elevations in serum creatinine, elevations in blood urea nitrogen, proteinuria, hematuria, and renal failure. 

Hematologic 

Hematologic side effects have included increased blood fibrinolytic activity. In addition, hypoprothrombinemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocyturia, megaloblastic anemia, and pancytopenia have been reported rarely. Aplastic anemia and eosinophilia have also been reported. 

Hypersensitivity 

Hypersensitivity side effects have included bronchospasm, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis. Approximately 10% to 30% of asthmatics are aspirin-sensitive (with  the clinical triad of aspirin sensitivity, bronchial asthma,  and nasal polyps). 

The mechanism of aspirin-induced hypersensitivity may be related to an up-regulation of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism with a resulting increase in the products of 5-lipoxygenase (such as leukotrienes). 

Dermatologic 

Dermatologic side effects have included Stevens-Johnson syndrome and a lichenoid eruption. In addition, isolated cases of unilateral aquagenic wrinkling of the palms and papuloerythroderma have been associated with aspirin therapy. 

Hepatic 

Hepatic side effects have included hepatotoxicity and cholestatic hepatitis. 

Oncologic 

Oncologic side effects have included reports of pancreatic cancer. Several epidemiologic studies have suggested that chronic aspirin use may decrease the risk of large bowel neoplasms. However, other studies have not found such a beneficial effect. 

Metabolic 

Metabolic side effects have included dehydration and hyperkalemia. Respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis, particularly during salicylate toxicity, have been reported. A case of hypoglycemia has been reported in a patient on hemodialysis. Salicylates have also been reported to displace triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) from protein binding sites. The initial effect is an increase in serum free T4 concentrations. 

Cardiovascular 

A 29-year-old female with a history of migraine developed chest pain, tachycardia and orthopnea following aspirin consumption at doses of 1500 mg per day for several days. After discontinuation of aspirin therapy, the patient's symptoms promptly resolved. The patient consented to a pharmacological challenge test which once again triggered the symptoms. 

Cardiovascular side effects have included salicylate-induced variant angina, ventricular ectopy, conduction abnormalities, and hypotension, particularly during salicylate toxicity. In addition, at least one case of fluid retention simulating acute congestive heart failure has been reported during aspirin therapy. Antiplatelet therapy has also been associated with acute deterioration of intracerebral hemorrhage. 

Nervous system 

Central nervous system side effects have included agitation, cerebral edema, coma, confusion, dizziness, headache, cranial hemorrhage, lethargy and seizures. Tinnitus and subjective hearing loss (or both) may occur. Some investigators have reported that modest doses may result in decreased frequency selectivity and may therefore impair hearing performance, particularly in the setting of background noise. 

Some investigators have suggested that tinnitus may be a less reliable indicator of salicylate toxicity than previously believed. Patients with high frequency hearing loss may have difficulty perceiving tinnitus. In a study of rheumatoid arthritis patients, those with tinnitus had no greater salicylate levels than those without tinnitus. Elderly patients may be less likely to perceive tinnitus than younger patients. 

Other 

Reye's syndrome typically involves vomiting, neurologic dysfunction, and hepatic dysfunction during  or shortly after an acute viral infection. 

Other side effects have included Reye's syndrome with aspirin use in children with an acute viral illness. Reye's syndrome has also been reported even more rarely in adults. 

Musculoskeletal 

Musculoskeletal side effects have included rhabdomyolysis. 

Respiratory 

Respiratory side effects have included hyperpnea, pulmonary edema, and tachypnea. 

Aspirin desensitization has been used to decrease disease activity and reduce the need for systemic corticosteroids in patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease. 

Endocrine 

Endocrine side effects have included hypoglycemia (which has been reported in children) and hyperglycemia. 

Ocular 

Ocular side effects have included cases of localized periorbital edema.