How and when to take aspirin for pain - Brand names: Anadin, Bonjela gel

Dosage and strength

The dose of aspirin that's right for you depends on the kind of aspirin you're taking, why you're taking it and how well it helps your symptoms.

Dosage and strength of aspirin tablets

Aspirin usually comes as 300mg tablets.

The usual dose is 1 or 2 tablets, taken every 4 to 6 hours.

Dosage and strength of aspirin suppositories

Aspirin suppositories come in 2 strengths. They contain 150mg or 300mg of aspirin. You can buy them from a pharmacy.

If you're using:

• 150mg – the usual dose is 3 to 6 suppositories, this is 450mg to 900mg, used every 4 hours. The maximum dose is 24 of the 150mg suppositories in 24 hours.
• 300mg – the usual dose is 1 to 3 suppositories, this is 300mg to 900mg, used every 4 hours. The maximum dose is 12 of the 300mg suppositories in 24 hours.

If you need a dose of 450mg or 750mg, your doctor or pharmacist will give you a mixture of strengths and explain how to use them.

How to take it

Different aspirin tablets and how to take them

Aspirin tablets come as different types including:

• standard tablets that you swallow whole with water
• soluble tablets that you dissolve in a glass of water
• enteric coated tablets that you swallow whole with water

Enteric tablets have a special coating that are gentler on your stomach. Do not chew or crush them because it will stop the coating working. If you also take indigestion remedies, take them at least 2 hours before or after you take your aspirin. The antacid in the indigestion remedy affects the way the coating on these tablets works.

You can buy standard aspirin tablets and soluble tablets from both pharmacies and supermarkets.

How to use aspirin suppositories

Aspirin suppositories are medicine that you push gently into your anus (bottom).

Read the instructions in the leaflet that comes with the suppositories.

1. Go to the toilet beforehand if you need to.
2. Wash your hands before and afterwards. Also clean around your anus with mild soap and water, rinse and pat dry.
3. Unwrap the suppository.
4. Stand with one leg up on a chair or lie on your side with one leg bent and the other straight.
5. Gently push the suppository into your anus with the pointed end first. It needs to go in about 2cm to 3cm (1 inch).
6. Sit or lie still for about 15 minutes. The suppository will melt inside your anus.

How to use aspirin mouth gel

For mouth ulcers or sores, massage about a centimetre (half an inch) of gel onto the sore area. Apply it to the inside of your mouth or gums every 3 hours as needed.

If you have dentures (false teeth), take them out before you apply the mouth gel. Then wait at least 30 minutes after applying the gel before putting your dentures back in your mouth.

You can buy aspirin mouth gel (Bonjela) from pharmacies and supermarkets. Do not use Bonjela on children. You can give Bonjela Teething Gel or Bonjela Junior to children as they do not contain aspirin.

How long to take aspirin for

If you're taking aspirin for a short-lived pain, like toothache or period pain, you may only need to take it for 1 or 2 days.

If you've bought it from a shop, supermarket or pharmacy and need to use aspirin for more than 3 days, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If your doctor has prescribed your aspirin, take it for as long as they recommend.

If you take too much

Taking or using 1 or 2 extra tablets or suppositories is unlikely to be harmful.

The amount of aspirin that can lead to overdose varies from person to person.

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself – get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the aspirin packet or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.