Some people on aspirin can experience heartburn, stomach pain, minor bleeding from the stomach and worsening of duodenal or stomach ulcers. In such cases special aspirin preparations may help. There is also a very slight risk of bleeding from the gut or a stroke from bleeding in the brain. Please note, these side effects and risks are very low with the low doses used. In patients with heart or blood vessel disease, the potential benefit of reducing the risk of a clotting-type stroke usually far outweighs the risk of having a bleeding stroke.
Higher doses give no more benefits but they do have more side effects.
When doctors or ambulance staff suspect someone is having a heart attack, they will advise a higher dose of half to one 325 mg tablet taken straight away, preferably the type that can be dissolved in water. This leaflet cannot be completely comprehensive and is intended as a guide only The information may change in the future. Visit relevant website for updates. If you have further questions you should raise them with your own doctor.