Aspirin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 14, 2024.

Applies to aspirin: oral capsule extended release 24 hr, oral capsule liquid filled, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet enteric coated.

Other dosage forms:

• rectal suppository

Serious side effects of aspirin

Along with its needed effects, aspirin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking aspirin:

Incidence not known

• abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or burning
• black, tarry stools
• bloody or cloudy urine
• change in consciousness
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion
• constipation
• convulsions, severe or continuing
• dark urine
• decreased frequency or amount of urine
• diarrhea
• difficult breathing
• drowsiness
• fainting
• fast breathing
• feeling that something terrible will happen
• fever
• general tiredness and weakness
• greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine
• headache
• heartburn
• increased thirst
• indigestion
• irregular heartbeat
• light-colored stools
• loss of appetite
• loss of consciousness
• lower back or side pain
• muscle cramping and weakness
• muscle tremors
• nausea or vomiting
• nervousness
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• panic
• rapid, deep breathing
• restlessness
• seizures
• skin rash
• stomach cramps
• swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• upper right abdominal or stomach
• vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• weakness or heaviness of the legs
• weight gain
• yellow eyes and skin

Other side effects of aspirin

Some side effects of aspirin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• acid or sour stomach
• anxiety
• belching
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• hyperventilation
• irritability
• shaking
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• trouble sleeping
• unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to aspirin: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral capsule extended release, oral delayed release capsule, oral delayed release tablet, oral gum, oral powder for reconstitution, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet disintegrating, oral tablet dispersible, oral tablet extended release, rectal suppository.

General adverse events

The more commonly experienced adverse effects include indigestion, dyspepsia, bleeding, and bruising.^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Interstitial nephritis, papillary necrosis, renal insufficiency and failure^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased bleeding tendencies
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Aplastic anemia agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia
• Frequency not reported: Prolongation of prothrombin time, disseminated intravascular coagulation, coagulopathy, antepartum and postpartum bleeding, anemia^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anaphylactic reactions including shock
• Frequency not reported: Urticaria, angioedema, skin rashes^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Steven-Johnson syndrome, Lyell's syndrome, erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme
• Frequency not reported: Purpura, hives^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Transient elevations of hepatic enzymes, hepatitis, Reye's syndrome, hepatic insufficiency^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Thirst, dehydration, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, salt and water retention^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hemorrhagic vasculitis
• Frequency not reported: Dysrhythmias, hypotension, tachycardia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Cerebral edema, coma headache, subdural or intracranial hemorrhage, seizures, lethargy, dizziness^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Fever, hypothermia, hearing loss, tinnitus (at high doses), hearing disturbances^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Rhabdomyolysis^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Hyperpnea, pulmonary edema, tachypnea, epistaxis, dyspnea, bronchospasm, asthma^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia,
• Frequency not reported: GI bleeding, ulceration, perforation, nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis, gastric irritation, GI erosions, gastritis, melena, hematemesis, gingival bleeding^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Menorrhagia
• Frequency not reported: Proteinuria^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Agitation, confusion^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What's the difference between aspirin and ibuprofen?
• Can you take tramadol with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin?
• What temperature is considered a fever?
• Aspirin Overdose: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Emergency Treatment
• Which painkiller should you use?
• Does aspirin lower blood pressure?
• Can I give Aspirin to my dog or cat?
• Can you take ibuprofen with Excedrin Migraine?

Further information

Aspirin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer