Aspirin 300mg – 32 Dispersible Tablets

These dispersible tablets contain 300mg of aspirin, a type of medicine that has analgesic (pain-relieving), antipyretic (temperature reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties. These tablets can be used for the relief of many different types of pain including headache, period pain, toothache, migraine, sore throat, flu-like symptoms and more.

What is the recommended dosage?

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you to or as described in the patient information leaflet. You must disperse these tablets in a glass of water – do not swallow them whole or chew them. The recommended dosage for adults is 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hours as required.

How does aspirin work?

Aspirin works to relieve pain by blocking the production of prostaglandins, a part of the body’s cells that regulate pain and inflammation. When taken as a daily low dose, aspirin also acts as a blood thinner, slowing the blood’s clotting action by making the platelets less sticky.

Is aspirin suitable for children?

Aspirin should never be given to children under the age of 16 unless advised otherwise by a doctor. This is because there is a very small risk that children can develop Reye’s syndrome, a rare disorder that can cause serious liver and brain damage.

Is aspirin suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

You should avoid taking aspirin during pregnancy, especially during the last 3 months of your pregnancy, unless advised otherwise by your doctor. You should also avoid taking aspirin if you are breastfeeding.

Can you take aspirin with alcohol?

You should not drink alcohol whilst taking aspirin. This is because alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding caused by aspirin, symptoms of which include black, bloody or tarry stools and coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Should you take aspirin with food?

It is best to take aspirin with a meal. This way, you will be less likely to experience unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects such as an upset stomach or indigestion.

When should aspirin not be used?

Aspirin might not be suitable for some people. You must not take these aspirin dispersible tablets if:

• You are allergic to aspirin, salicylates or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.

• You have a stomach ulcer or history of ulcers or indigestion

• You have bleeding in the stomach and/or intestines, or other kinds of bleeding such as bleeding from the blood vessels of the brain

• You have nasal polyps associated with asthma

• You have haemophilia or other blood clotting disorders, or are taking medicines to thin the blood

• You have severe liver, kidney or heart failure

• You are in the third trimester of pregnancy

• You are taking methotrexate (more than 15mg a week)

• You are a child under 16 years old

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking aspirin dispersible tablets if you have:

• Asthma, chronic respiratory disease or allergies

• Heavy periods

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• History of stomach ulcers or excessive bleeding

• Heart, liver or kidney problems

• Gout

• Severe skin rash with flushing, fever, blisters or ulcers

If you are taking, or have recently taken, any other medicines or herbal remedies, including those obtained without a prescription, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking these tablets. Refer to the patient information leaflet for specific advice.

Are there any side effects?

Like all medicines, aspirin can cause some side effects, but not everyone will experience them. Stop taking this medicine and seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following side effects:

• Severe allergic reaction (blistered skin, swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, shock)

• Itchy skin rash (hives/urticaria) caused by an allergic reaction (pale or red irregular raised patches with severe itching)

• Severe rash involving reddening, peeling and swelling of the skin that resembles severe burns (Lyell’s syndrome) or severe rash, blisters or red patches on the skin (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), irregular red patches on the skin of the hands and arms (erythema multiforme)

• Bleeding on the brain (sudden severe headache, fit, changes in vision, speaking, understanding or coordination weakness in an arm or leg)

• Stomach ulcers or bleeding which can be severe (you may develop bloody or black tarry stools, severe stomach pain or vomit blood), stomach irritation (mild stomach pain, heartburn and feeling or being sick).

Other side effects can include:

• Increased bleeding tendencies

• Indigestion

• Runny nose

• Anaemia (rare)

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing, asthma attacks (rare)

• Heavy periods (rare)

• Feeling or being sick (rare)

• Hemorrhagic vasculitis or purpura (blood spots, bruising, discolouring to the skin) (rare)

• Red tender lumps developing under the skin (Erythema nodosum) (rare)

For more information on side effects where the frequency is unknown, refer to the patient information leaflet. If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Storage information

Store the tablets below 25°C in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not take these tablets after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging.

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

If you are concerned about addiction to ‘over the counter’ medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction

Talk To Frank – Drug Addiction Help & Support