Aspirin
Aspirin Pain Relief & Management at Walgreens
When it comes to pain management, aspirin is one of the most commonly used drugs to reduce fevers and treat everyday aches and pains. It may also be used to treat other symptoms and conditions per the recommendation of your healthcare provider. At Walgreens, we offer aspirin in a wide variety of forms available to buy online or in stores to fit each customer’s needs.
What is aspirin?
Aspirin is a pain reliever and fever reducer that comes in prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) form. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults and children over age 3. It may also be known as acetylsalicylic acid and is usually taken as a tablet. Aspirin works by stopping the production of substances in the body that cause pain, fever, blood clots, and swelling.
Prescription aspirin can be prescribed by your healthcare provider to relieve the symptoms of arthritis, lupus, and certain other conditions.
OTC aspirin is used to treat pain from headache, menstrual periods and cramps, toothaches, and muscle aches. It is also used to reduce fevers and pain from arthritis. OTC aspirin may also be used for those who have had a heart attack to help prevent future heart attacks, and to prevent strokedue to blood clots. Speak with your doctor first if you’re considering taking aspirin to reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Aspirin is also an ingredient in some other medications, including antacids and cold and cough medicines.
What are the different types of aspirin?
There are a few types of aspirin that can be taken to treat different symptoms. Aspirin is usually taken as a pain reliever and fever reducer, but it can also be found in medicines that treat heartburn and stomach discomfort.
Prescription aspirin comes in the form of an extended-release tablet. Over-the-counter aspirin can come in different forms including regular tablets, delayed-release tablets, powders, chewable tablets, and gums.
Regular, extended, and delayed release tablets should be swallowed whole with water, while chewable aspirin can be chewed, crushed, or swallowed whole with water.
Regular strength aspirin comes in 325 mg tablet form, and an average adult dose is 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours when needed. Aspirin also comes in low dose (81 mg) tablets and extra strength (500 mg) tablets.
What is aspirin most commonly used for?
Aspirin is most commonly used as a single-ingredient medication for mild pain relief and fever reduction. It’s used to treat pain from headaches, menstrual periods and cramps, toothaches, and muscle aches.
It is also an active ingredient in some medications that treat migraines as well as medications that treat heartburn and upset stomach, such as antacids. Aspirin can also be taken as prescribed by a doctor for symptoms relating to arthritis, lupus, and certain other conditions.
When is the best time to take aspirin?
Over-the-counter (OTC) aspirin is typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed to treat pain and fever. When OTC aspirin is taken to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, it is usually consumed once per day. Aspirin should be taken with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or after a meal, but it should not be taken on an empty stomach.
Prescription aspirin is usually taken two or more times a day.
How much aspirin should I take?
Regular strength aspirin comes in 325 mg tablet form, and an average adult dose is 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours when needed. Aspirin also comes in low dose (81 mg) tablets and extra strength (500 mg) tablets.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends taking no more than 4,000 mg of aspirin in a 24-hour period. Because different forms of aspirin may have different quantities, it is important to read labels carefully before taking aspirin.
Most medicines advise against taking an active ingredient such as aspirin for more than 7 to 10 days. Speak with your healthcare provider if your symptoms continue to persist.
When Should You not take aspirin
Before taking aspirin, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin or other medications for pain or fever, and any other medications. Make sure your doctor knows all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you are currently taking.
Although aspirin is approved for use in children over 3, consult with you doctor or healthcare provider before giving aspirin to children and teenagers. Aspirin has been linked to a rare condition called Reye’s syndrome, which causes swelling of the brain and liver in children. Aspirin should always be kept out of the reach of children.
You should also speak with your healthcare provider before taking aspirin if you:
- Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Have asthma
- Are taking a prescription blood thinner
- Have stomach problems such as ulcers, heartburn, or stomach aches
- Have liver or kidney disease
- Drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant
Can you mix aspirin with other medicines?
Many medications should not be taken with aspirin. Speak with your healthcare provider before you start taking aspirin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements you are currently taking or plan to take.
Depending on the medications you are taking, your doctor may change the recommended dose of aspirin or watch you more carefully for side effects.
Aspirin may cause side effects. Contact your healthcare provider if the following symptoms persist:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
Aspirin may also cause very serious side effects or allergic reactions. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider immediately:
- Hives or rash
- Swelling of the face, throat, eyes, lips, or tongue
- Difficulty breathing, fast breathing, wheezing, or hoarseness
- Signs of unusual bleeding such as nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, or coughing up blood
- Ringing in the ears
- Asthma attack
If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, be sure to tell the doctor that you are taking aspirin.
Does Walgreens sell aspirin?
Yes, Walgreens sells many varieties of aspirin available online and in stores. Aspirin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can be effective when used correctly according to the instructions on the label. If you are concerned about potential side effects and have any health issues, speak with your healthcare provider.
If you have questions about aspirin products at Walgreens, a pharmacist can provide advice and information on the best option for each individual.
What brands of aspirin can I buy at Walgreens?
At Walgreens, we carry every major brand of aspirin. Common brands containing aspirin include Bayer Aspirin, Excedrin, and Alka-Seltzer.
We carry Walgreen’s store brand Aspirin to offer a great value for customers. Walgreens also carries Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin, Excedrin for migraines, extra strength Excedrin, and many brands of antacid.
Sources
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- “Aspirin,” Walgreens. Web. 16 August 2021.https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/aspirin/ID=361473-tier3
- “Aspirin,” Know Your OTCs. Web. 16 August 2021.https://www.knowyourotcs.org/ingredient/aspirin/
- “Aspirin desensitization,” Cleveland Clinic. Web. 16 August 2021.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/15629-aspirin-sensitivity--aspirin-desensitization
- “Aspirin therapy in heart disease,” Cleveland Clinic. Web. 26 August 2021.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/16761-aspirin-therapy-in-heart-disease
- “Reyes syndrome,” Mayo Clinic. Web. 26 August 2021.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/reyes-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377255