Can You Take Aspirin on an Empty Stomach?
Aspirin can irritate the stomach when taken without food. Learn how to take it as directed, how to protect your stomach, proper dosage, and when to consult your doctor.
Not medical advice. Speak with a healthcare professional before using any medication.
Reviewed by:
Updated Feb, 15
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Information sourced from FDA-approved prescribing information and peer-reviewed medical references.
How to Take Aspirin
Can You Take Aspirin on an Empty Stomach?
No, it’s best not to take aspirin on an empty stomach because it can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of nausea or bleeding. Taking aspirin with food, milk, or a full glass of water can help protect your stomach, and even enteric-coated or low-dose aspirin is still gentler when taken with food.
You should be especially careful if you have a history of ulcers, stomach pain, or bleeding issues, or if you take other medications that affect the stomach.
How to Take Aspirin
The following steps reflect standard OTC label instructions for Aspirin (aspirin):
- Per OTC labeling, for general pain or fever (adults): 325–650 mg every 4–6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 4,000 mg in 24 hours.
- Per OTC labeling, for heart protection (adults): Commonly 81 mg once daily, taken at the same time each day. Your clinician may recommend a different amount based on your medical history.
- Enteric-coated tablets: Swallow whole and take with food to reduce stomach upset. They take a bit longer to start working.
- Chewable tablets: Chew thoroughly before swallowing; take with a sip of water afterward.
- Per OTC labeling, with or without food: You may take aspirin with food or milk if your stomach feels sensitive.
- Per OTC labeling, stay hydrated: Drink water when you take it and throughout the day.
- Per OTC labeling, do not give aspirin to anyone under 18 unless a clinician specifically instructs it.
- Per OTC labeling, if you miss a daily dose: Take it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double up.
If your doctor has given you specific instructions, always follow those first.
Warnings Before Taking Aspirin
- Per OTC labeling, avoid if you're allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
- Per OTC labeling, do not use if you have active bleeding or a bleeding disorder.
- Per OTC labeling, check with your doctor if you have stomach ulcers, kidney disease, or asthma.
- Per OTC labeling, avoid in children or teens with viral illness due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
- Per OTC labeling, ask your clinician before combining with blood thinners.
Aspirin Side Effects
Common
Mild
Upset Stomach or Heartburn
Per OTC labeling, aspirin can irritate the stomach lining, leading to mild burning, discomfort, or indigestion, especially when taken on an empty stomach.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
2–4 hours
Common
Moderate
Increased Bleeding Tendency
Per OTC labeling, this medication reduces platelet activity, so bruising or bleeding may occur more easily, including nosebleeds or prolonged bleeding from small cuts.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
12–24 hours
Uncommon
Severe
Gastrointestinal Irritation or Ulcers
Per OTC labeling, regular use can cause stomach or intestinal inflammation, and in some cases ulcers, particularly in people with a history of GI issues.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
A few hours to a day
Common
Mild
Nausea
Per OTC labeling, some people experience queasiness shortly after taking aspirin, particularly when taken on an empty stomach.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
30 minutes–3 hours
Uncommon
Moderate
Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)
Per OTC labeling, higher doses may lead to temporary ringing or buzzing in the ears. If this occurs, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
2–6 hours
Rare
Severe
Allergic Reactions
Per OTC labeling, aspirin can rarely trigger reactions such as wheezing, hives, or facial swelling, especially in people with asthma or known NSAID sensitivity. Seek immediate medical care if these occur.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
Minutes to a few hours (if it occurs, seek urgent care)
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What If You Forgot to Take Aspirin
What If You Forgot to Take Aspirin?
If you miss a dose, the approach depends on how you use aspirin.
- Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next scheduled dose.
- If it's close to the next one, skip the missed dose and return to your usual schedule.
- Do not double up. Per OTC labeling, taking extra aspirin can increase the chance of irritation or bleeding.
- If you're on aspirin for heart protection, resume your normal routine promptly to stay on track.
If missed doses become frequent, consult your clinician about ways to simplify the schedule.
What If You Took Too Much Aspirin
If You Accidentally Took Too Much Aspirin
If more than the labeled amount was used, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away. For children or if the product was swallowed, seek urgent medical care immediately.
- Do not use additional doses until you have spoken with Poison Control or a clinician.
- If symptoms such as ringing in the ears, severe stomach pain, or GI bleeding occur, seek emergency medical care.
- Keep this and all medications out of reach of children.
How Much Does Aspirin Cost
Aspirin Cost With Insurance
With many U.S. insurance plans, the cost of aspirin varies because it's an over-the-counter medication. Many plans cover common OTC drugs when prescribed by a clinician.
Some plans do not cover OTC items; in those cases, retail pricing applies.
Prices vary slightly by pharmacy and plan.
Prices vary by pharmacy, dose, location, and insurance plan and may have changed since this page was written. Contact your pharmacy or insurance provider for current pricing.
How Much Does Aspirin Cost without Insurance
Aspirin Cost Without Insurance
Most aspirin products are affordable, even without insurance. Prices vary by brand, strength, and package size.
Standard aspirin tablets (81 mg or 325 mg)
Enteric-coated versions
Name-brand options like Bayer: generally a few dollars more than store brands
Most pharmacies, grocery stores, and big-box retailers offer store-brand aspirin options.
Prices vary by pharmacy, dose, location, and insurance plan and may have changed since this page was written. Contact your pharmacy or insurance provider for current pricing.
Resources:
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682878.html
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/aspirin-and-related-salicylates
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/aspirin-for-pain-relief/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/aspirin-oral-route/description/drg-20069411
