Can I take 2 81 mg aspirin?

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Taking 2 81 mg aspirin tablets is generally considered safe for most adults. The maximum recommended daily dose of aspirin is 4,000 mg per day. Two 81 mg tablets would equal 162 mg, well below this limit. However, there are some factors to consider before taking a double dose of aspirin:

If you have any medical conditions, check with your doctor first
Avoid a double dose if you have stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders

Spread out the tablets and take 1 every 4-6 hours instead of together
Do not exceed 2 tablets in a 24 hour period unless advised by your doctor

In summary, taking 162 mg of aspirin from 2 x 81 mg tablets is likely fine for a healthy adult, but special precautions should be taken for those with certain medical conditions. Checking with a doctor first is recommended. Spreading out the dose over the day is safer than taking 2 tablets at once. Do not exceed 2 tablets in a 24-hour period.

Is 81 mg of Aspirin Considered a Low Dose?

Yes, 81 mg of aspirin is considered a low dose. Here is some more detail on aspirin dosing guidelines:

Low dose aspirin is commonly defined as 81 mg per tablet.
The most typical low dose aspirin tablets are 81 mg or 75 mg.

Higher doses of aspirin are available including 325 mg, 500 mg, and 650 mg tablets.
For general pain relief, the recommended aspirin dose is 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
For anti-inflammatory effects, the suggested aspirin dose is higher at 1200-1500 mg per day.

The maximum daily limit considered safe for aspirin is 4,000 mg per day.

So in summary, 81 mg aspirin falls on the very low end of typical aspirin dosing. It provides minimal pain relief on its own but has the benefits of not causing as much stomach irritation or bleeding risk compared to higher doses. Lower dose 81 mg aspirin tablets are commonly recommended for long-term heart health, not generally for pain relief.

What Are Some Reasons a Doctor May Recommend Taking 2 Low Dose 81 mg Aspirin?

Here are some of the main reasons a doctor may recommend taking two 81 mg aspirin tablets:

Heart health: Taking 162 mg per day can provide further cardiovascular benefits and clot prevention for those at high risk of heart attack or stroke.
Inflammation: For some types of inflammatory conditions like arthritis, a dose slightly higher than 81 mg may be desirable.
Fever or pain: For adults who find 81 mg insufficient for relieving pain or reducing fever, a doctor may suggest trying two tablets.

Migraine headache: In some cases, 162 mg of aspirin may be recommended for treating acute migraine attacks.
Pericarditis: Some research indicates doses of 100-200 mg of aspirin four times a day can be helpful for reducing pericarditis chest pain.

However, it’s important to emphasize that a doctor should make specific recommendations based on your health history and symptoms. As a general rule, the lowest effective aspirin dose is recommended, and higher doses may carry increased side effects.

Is it Safe to Take Two 81 mg Aspirin Tablets Within 24 Hours?

For most otherwise healthy adults, it is generally safe to take two 81 mg aspirin tablets within a 24 hour period. This totals 162 mg, well below the maximum daily limit of 4,000 mg per day.

However, there are some important precautions to keep in mind:

Taking any medication with aspirin increases bleeding risk. Taking 2 aspirin tablets could compound this.

Those with bleeding disorders, ulcers, or clotting issues may be advised to avoid multiple aspirin doses.
Spreading out the tablets and taking 1 every 4-6 hours is safer than taking them simultaneously.
Routine use of 2 aspirin daily may cause stomach irritation or ulcers in some people.

People with asthma, liver disease, kidney disease, or gout may need to limit or avoid multiple low dose aspirin.

In summary, taking 2 low dose aspirin tablets 24 hours apart is generally not dangerous, but those with medical conditions or risks for bleeding should first consult their doctor. Spacing out the tablets over 6-8 hours is ideal rather than together. Do not exceed 2 tablets in a 24 hour timeframe without medical guidance.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Taking 2 Low Dose 81 mg Aspirin?

Some potential side effects of taking 2 low dose 81 mg aspirin tablets include:

Bleeding: Increased risk of bruising, bleeding gums, bloody nose, blood in urine or stool
Stomach pain/ulcers: Taking more than 1 regular aspirin per day can irritate the digestive tract lining and potentially cause ulcers with abdominal pain
Heartburn: Aspirin can provoke acid reflux and burning chest discomfort

Nausea/vomiting: Stomach upset is possible with 2 low dose aspirin
Headache: Some types of headache can paradoxically be triggered by aspirin
Dizziness: Balance issues or lightheadedness may occur

Rash/itching: Allergic reaction in susceptible individuals
Liver toxicity: High doses of aspirin for prolonged periods can potentially damage the liver

These side effects reinforce that doubling an aspirin dose does come with enhanced risks. Working with a doctor to find the minimal effective dose for each person can help avoid side effects. People with stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, liver or kidney impairment require special precautions.

What Medical Conditions Should Cause Caution with 2 Daily Low Dose Aspirin?

There are several medical conditions that should cause caution with routinely taking 2 daily low dose aspirin. These include:

Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia: Aspirin further reduces clotting ability
Active stomach ulcers or ulcer history: Aspirin can provoke bleeding and perforation

Asthma: Aspirin can trigger bronchospasm and asthma flares in susceptible people
Impaired kidney function: Aspirin is cleared by the kidneys, so toxicity risk increases with poor renal function
Impaired liver function: Aspirin is metabolized by the liver, so impaired liver function increases side effect risk

Gout or hyperuricemia: Aspirin interferes with uric acid excretion
Right after surgery: Aspirin slows clotting and healing and raises bleeding risk

For anyone with these medical issues, it’s imperative to consult a doctor before considering routinely taking two 81 mg aspirin tablets per day. Lower doses or avoiding aspirin may be necessary for safety.

What Steps Can Reduce the Side Effects and Risks of 2 Daily Low Dose Aspirin?

Some precautions to help minimize the risks and side effects if taking 2 low dose 81 mg aspirin tablets per day include:

Take the tablets at least 8-12 hours apart rather than together
Drink a full glass of water with each tablet

Take the aspirin with food to reduce stomach irritation
Consider coated or enteric coated tablets to lessen gastrointestinal effects
Use the lowest effective dose based on medical guidance

Let your doctor know about any bleeding concerns or side effects
Stop taking if you experience any severe symptoms like vomiting blood
Avoid taking with blood thinners, steroids, or NSAIDs

Checking with a pharmacist about the safest way to take aspirin is also recommended. Let your doctor know if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or hypertension before starting routine aspirin use.

What Circumstances Warrant Immediate Medical Attention When Taking 2 Low Dose Aspirin?

In certain cases, taking 2 low dose 81 mg aspirin tablets can warrant immediate medical evaluation.

Seek emergency care if you experience:

Vomiting blood or passing blood
Bloody/tarry stools
Severe stomach pain that does not resolve

Uncontrolled bleeding from any site like the nose or gums
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Swelling of lips, face, or throat

Irregular heart rate
Fever over 102 F
Signs of liver problems like yellowing skin/eyes

Kidney issues like little urine output
Prolonged dizziness, confusion, hallucinations

These types of symptoms could reflect bleeding ulcers, allergic reaction, liver toxicity, kidney problems, or other serious issues. Immediately discontinuing the aspirin and seeking medical assessment is vital.

Key Takeaways

In summary, here are some key takeaways about taking 2 low dose 81 mg aspirin tablets:

For healthy adults, this dosage is likely safe though side effects are possible
Those with medical conditions should consult a doctor first

Spread out the tablets over 6-8 hours rather than together
Never exceed more than 2 tablets over 24 hours without medical approval
Watch for worrisome symptoms like bleeding, stomach pain, breathing issues

Minimize risks by using the lowest effective aspirin dose

While taking 2 low dose aspirin tablets per day is generally not dangerous, working with your healthcare provider to find the ideal aspirin regimen tailored to your individual health profile is recommended. Be aware of bleeding risks and potential side effects. Seek immediate medical care if serious symptoms develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it bad to take 2 81 mg aspirin every day?

Taking 2 low dose 81 mg aspirin tablets daily is not necessarily bad or unsafe for otherwise healthy adults. However, long-term use does carry increased risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers. People with certain medical conditions like bleeding disorders, kidney impairment, asthma, or ulcers should avoid this dosage. For those at higher risk of side effects, taking 1 low dose aspirin daily or every other day may be safer long-term option.

Can I take 2 aspirin at once for pain?

It is not generally recommended to take 2 low dose 81 mg aspirin tablets together for pain relief. This provides only a minimal increase in pain relief compared to 1 tablet. For better pain relief, it would be safer to take 1 regular strength 325 mg tablet instead. If needing frequent aspirin for pain, it’s best to limit to 1 low dose tablet every 4-6 hours and avoid exceeding 2 tablets in a 24 hour period.

What happens if you take too much 81 mg aspirin?

Taking more than the recommended dose of 81 mg aspirin could increase the risk of side effects like bleeding or stomach irritation. Mild overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or headaches. More severe toxicity can involve severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, fever, confusion and liver damage. Taking too much 81 mg aspirin can be dangerous, so immediately call poison control or seek emergency care if you suspect an overdose.

Can you take 2 aspirins twice a day?

No, it is not recommended to take 2 low dose 81 mg aspirin tablets twice per day. This would total 4 tablets and 324 mg of aspirin daily, exceeding the maximum daily limit. Taking aspirin this frequently increases the risks of bleeding, ulcers, and other side effects. Unless specifically advised by your doctor for a serious condition, limit aspirin to no more than 2 low dose tablets spaced over 24 hours, not exceeding this amount.

Is taking aspirin everyday bad for you?

Taking low dose 81 mg aspirin daily is not necessarily bad for you and can provide benefits like heart attack prevention if you are at high risk. However, long term daily use does carry increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and stomach ulcers. For healthy adults with low risk of heart disease, daily aspirin is not recommended. Talk to your doctor about your specific health status to determine if a daily baby aspirin regimen is appropriate for you.