How does aspirin for pain relief work?
If you've been hurt or have an infection, your body makes hormones called prostaglandins. The prostaglandins cause swelling and sometimes a high temperature and they send pain signals to the brain. This is all part of your body's natural response to injury. The swelling and high temperature can help your body heal.
Aspirin stops your body making prostaglandins and this lowers the pain and reduces swelling and high temperature.
When will I feel better?
You should start to feel better 20 to 30 minutes after taking aspirin.
What if aspirin does not work?
If aspirin does not work, there are other medicines that you can use to treat pain or swelling (inflammation), including:
- ibuprofen
- paracetamol
- co-codamol (a combination of paracetamol and codeine)
Ibuprofen and painkillers like ibuprofen are sometimes available as creams or gels that you rub on to the part of your body that's painful.
Some painkillers are only available on prescription.
If aspirin does not work for you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options that might be more suitable. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a stronger painkiller or recommend another treatment, such as exercise or physiotherapy.
Are there any long term side effects?
It's best to take the lowest dose that works for you for the shortest amount of time you can. That way there's less chance that you'll get unwanted side effects like stomach ache.
How does aspirin compare with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
Aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol are all effective painkillers. Aspirin may be better than paracetamol for period pain or migraines although if you have heavy periods, it can make them heavier. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are considered better than paracetamol for back pain.
Paracetamol is typically used for mild or moderate pain. It may be better than aspirin for headaches, toothache, sprains and stomach ache.
Ibuprofen works in a similar way to aspirin. It can be used for back pain, strains and sprains, as well as pain from arthritis. Like aspirin, it is also good for toothache and period pain.
Why do some brands of aspirin contain caffeine?
Caffeine is added to some of the painkillers you can buy from pharmacies.
Research shows that caffeine (the amount you would get in a mug of coffee) may make painkillers work better for some people who are in a lot of pain.
There's caffeine as well as aspirin in these brands:
- Anadin Original (aspirin and caffeine)
- Anadin Extra (aspirin, caffeine and paracetamol)
- Beechams Powders (aspirin and caffeine)
Does aspirin cause stomach ulcers?
Aspirin can cause ulcers in your stomach or gut, especially if you take it for a long time or in big doses.
Your doctor may tell you not to take aspirin if you have a stomach ulcer, or if you've had one in the past.
If you're at risk of getting a stomach ulcer and you need a painkiller, take paracetamol instead of aspirin as it's gentler on your stomach.
Can aspirin prevent cancer?
Recent research suggests that aspirin could help to prevent certain types of cancer, for example bowel cancer.
However, do not take aspirin without discussing it with your doctor. Aspirin can cause serious side effects, such as bleeding and not everyone can take it.
Speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking aspirin if you're at risk of getting cancer.
Will it affect my contraception?
Aspirin does not affect any contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
Can I drink alcohol with it?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking aspirin. However, drinking too much alcohol while you're taking aspirin can irritate your stomach.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
No, you can eat and drink normally while taking aspirin.