Consume no alcoholic beverages when taking aspirin. Aspirin-induced gastrointestinal bleeding can be exacerbated by alcohol. He'll want to determine what caused the bleeding and will advise you on how to prevent further episodes. Aspirin is used to treat pain and inflammation from injuries to the chest, abdomen, and legs; menstrual cramps; and the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It also can be used to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Aspirin is one of the most popular over-the-counter drugs in use today. It can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin. The effects of oral aspirin last for about three hours and those of topical (or injected) aspirin last for several days. There are two types of aspirin: regular and non-regular. Regular aspirin comes in tablets that contain 81 milligrams (mg) of aspirin. Non-regular aspirin comes in tablets that contain varying amounts of aspirin. You should not take more than a standard dose of aspirin unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Taking too much can cause serious problems with your stomach or intestine. You should not take aspirin if you have an active peptic ulcer or gastroenteritis (severe stomach flu).