Low-dose aspirin (81 mg): what the USPSTF says, bleeding risk and label warnings
We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.
- Bayer Low Dose aspirin 81 mg. Best for: People whose doctor recommends daily low-dose aspirin. See options on Amazon
- Weekly pill organizer. Best for: Keeping a daily routine. See options on Amazon
What the USPSTF recommends
| Group | USPSTF 2022 recommendation | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Adults 40 to 59 with a 10% or greater 10-year CVD risk | Decision to start low-dose aspirin should be an individual one | C |
| Adults 60 or older | Recommends against starting low-dose aspirin for primary prevention | D |
| People already taking aspirin | Should not stop without consulting their clinician | Not graded |
Details are from the USPSTF recommendation on aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease, dated April 26, 2022. Primary prevention means preventing a first event in people without known heart disease.
Benefit vs bleeding
The USPSTF says persons who are not at increased risk for bleeding and are willing to take low-dose aspirin daily are more likely to benefit. That is why the decision depends on your own risk of heart disease and your risk of bleeding.
The Bayer Low Dose label's stomach bleeding warning says the chance is higher if you are age 60 or older, have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, take a blood thinner or steroid drug, take other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, or take more or for longer than directed.
Reading the Bayer Low Dose label
Bayer Low Dose lists aspirin 81 mg, an NSAID, as the active ingredient, with the purpose pain reliever. It is safety coated, and the label notes that because of its delayed action it will not provide fast relief of headaches or other symptoms needing immediate relief, and to ask your doctor about other uses. Its directions for pain are 4 to 8 tablets every 4 hours for adults and children 12 and over, not more than 48 tablets in 24 hours, with a full glass of water; daily heart-protection use should follow your doctor's directions.
For quick headache relief, see our acetaminophen guide and ibuprofen guide.
Who should ask a doctor first
- Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin or any other pain reliever or fever reducer.
- Ask a doctor if the stomach bleeding warning applies to you, you have a history of stomach problems such as heartburn, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease or asthma, or you take a diuretic.
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you take a prescription drug for gout, diabetes or arthritis.
- Ibuprofen users: the ibuprofen label warns ibuprofen may decrease aspirin's heart benefit, so ask before combining.
- Pregnancy: the label says it is especially important not to use aspirin during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless definitely directed by a doctor.
The label also carries an allergy alert: aspirin may cause a severe allergic reaction that may include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing) or shock. Anyone with aspirin-sensitive asthma or a past reaction to a pain reliever should talk to a doctor before taking any aspirin product, including low-dose tablets.
Children and Reye's syndrome
The label warns that children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use aspirin, because of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness. If changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting occur, consult a doctor. For children's fevers, see our digital thermometer guide and ask a pediatrician which medicine to use.
When to stop and get help
Stop use and ask a doctor if an allergic reaction occurs, or you notice signs of stomach bleeding: feeling faint, vomiting blood, bloody or black stools, or stomach pain that does not get better. Also stop and ask a doctor for ringing in the ears or loss of hearing, or new symptoms. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
If your doctor recommends daily aspirin, taking it at the same time each day can help; see our blood pressure monitor guide for tracking heart health at home.
What to look for when you buy
Bayer Low Dose aspirin 81 mg
Best for: People whose doctor recommends daily low-dose aspirin
Its label lists aspirin 81 mg in a safety coated tablet.
Watch out: Not for fast pain relief; stomach bleeding warning applies.
See options on AmazonWeekly pill organizer
Best for: Keeping a daily routine
The USPSTF notes people willing to take low-dose aspirin daily are more likely to benefit, when appropriate.
Watch out: Only start daily aspirin on a clinician's advice.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Should I take a baby aspirin every day?
- Only if your clinician advises it; the USPSTF says adults 60 or older should not start it for primary prevention.
- Is low-dose aspirin 81 mg?
- Bayer Low Dose lists aspirin 81 mg per tablet.
- Can I stop taking daily aspirin?
- The USPSTF says people taking aspirin should not stop without consulting their clinician.
- Does low-dose aspirin cause bleeding?
- The label warns aspirin may cause severe stomach bleeding, with higher risk at 60 or older and with blood thinners.
- Can I take ibuprofen with daily aspirin?
- Ask first; the ibuprofen label says it may decrease aspirin's heart attack and stroke benefit.
- What are signs of an aspirin allergy?
- The label lists hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing) and shock; stop and seek medical help right away.
Sources
- Aspirin Use to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease: Preventive Medication (2022) (uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org), U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
- Bayer Low Dose (aspirin 81 mg) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Advil (ibuprofen) tablet label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine