Always follow the instructions from your doctor, or the instructions inside the medicine packet on how to take it.
Take low-dose aspirin once a day. Do not take it on an empty stomach. It's best to take it with or just after food. This will make it less likely to upset your stomach.
Dosage
Your doctor will discuss what dose is right for you. It's important to take low-dose aspirin exactly as recommended by your doctor.
The usual dose to prevent a heart attack or stroke is 75mg once a day (a regular strength tablet for pain relief is 300mg).
The usual dose for pregnant women is either 75mg or 150mg, taken once a day.
The daily dose may be higher, up to 300mg once a day, especially if you have just had a stroke, heart attack or heart bypass surgery.
Different types of low-dose aspirin tablets
Low-dose aspirin comes as several different types of tablet:
- tablets you swallow whole with water (standard)
- tablets that you dissolve in a drink of water (soluble)
- tablets that you swallow whole with water (enteric coated or gastro-resistant). These tablets have a special coating that means they may be more gentle on your stomach. Do not chew or crush them because it will stop the coating from 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
How long to take it for
If you're taking low-dose aspirin for angina or to prevent a heart attack or stroke, you'll usually need to take it for the rest of your life.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take a dose of aspirin, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
Taking 1 or 2 extra tablets is unlikely to be harmful.
The amount of aspirin that can lead to overdose varies from person to person.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
You take more than the daily limit of 12 tablets in 24 hours and get side effects such as:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- hearing problems
- confusion
- feeling dizzy
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111
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.