Aspirin is a medication that has many uses and is available over the counter and by prescription. Often people will take a pill that has one or two other drugs in it. All the drugs work together to help relieve many symptoms in different ways. The combination drug may be more powerful than any of the single ingredients alone.

Pain relief is a common use for aspirin, especially if the pain is from a headache or from arthritis. Arthritis is a painful swelling of the joints between bones. Aspirin is also commonly used to bring down a fever. Do not use aspirin for a fever in children or teenagers if their fever is from a cold, flu or any other virus, like chicken pox. A very serious illness called Reye's Syndrome can occur. Aspirin is also used to thin the blood. Persons who have had a stroke or heart attack sometimes need to have their blood thinned so that blood clots do not form. Blood clots are clumps of blood cells that can block the normal flow of blood.

Stomach upset and gastrointestinal bleeding are side effects that can happen to persons taking aspirin. It is very important to notify a healthcare provider if they occur. Try to take aspirin with food and a glass of water. Aspirin is available with a stomach protective coating, but should never be held in the mouth for a long period of time. Aspirin can cause trouble breathing, itching, or other symptoms of allergy in some people. Always discuss allergies or other medications with your physician and pharmacist before starting on aspirin.

Notify your healthcare provider if there is no relief from pain or swelling in five to ten days, or in three days if there is no fever relief.

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