Who can take aspirin
Most people aged 16 and over can safely take aspirin.
Who may not be able to take aspirin
Aspirin is not suitable for some people.
There is a possible link between aspirin and Reye's syndrome in children. Reye's syndrome is a very rare condition that can cause serious liver and brain damage.
Important
Never give aspirin to children under 16, unless their doctor prescribes it.
To make sure aspirin as a painkiller (including mouth gel) is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- have ever had an allergy to aspirin or similar painkillers such as ibuprofen
- have ever had a stomach ulcer
- have recently had a stroke (although depending on the kind of stroke you've had, your doctor may recommend that you take low-dose aspirin to prevent another one)
- have high blood pressure (hypertension)
- have indigestion
- have asthma or lung disease
- have ever had a blood clotting problem
- have liver or kidney problems
- have gout – it can get worse for some people who take aspirin
- have heavy periods – they can get heavier with aspirin
- are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding