Aspirin is available over the counter to help manage swelling, pain, redness or fever that is brought on by infections, arthritis or headache. The following information will help to outline the max dose you should observe and the cautions you should note when using aspirin.

Aspirin Max Dose

1. Adults are typically advised to take 300-1000mg doses of aspirin up to four times a day when managing arthritis or fever. Doses should not exceed 4g or 4000mg a day. The specific dosage that should be applied will vary based on the condition being treated.
2. When using aspirin to prevent a myocardial infarction in someone that has suspected or documented coronary artery disease, administer a dose that is 75mg or lower.

Aspirin Side Effects

Like all medications, using aspirin can cause side effects.

1. Common side effects of aspirin can include nausea, vomiting or stomach pain.
2. Severe side effects of aspirin include hearing loss, skin rash, ringing in the ears, dizziness, drowsiness, breathing issues, confusion and black or bloody stool.

If you experience any of these severe side effects, stop using aspirin and contact your physician immediately.

Cautions of Taking Aspirin

Besides knowing Aspirin max dose, there are more things to consider:

1. Aspirin is no longer recommended for use in controlling chickenpox or flu-like symptoms in children under the age of 16, as this can increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
2. In some cases taking large doses of aspirin in the form of over the counter products can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding or stomach discomfort. Those that will be taking large doses of aspirin should take fast absorbing, low-dose products.
3. Diabetics that are taking eight or more regular strength aspirin tablets each day may see an alteration in their urine sugar test results. Speak to your physician regarding how to monitor your sugar if you are following an aspirin regimen.
4. Talk to your doctor about any other disorders you may have including anemia, asthma, hemophilia, ulcers, bleeding problems, kidney disease, gout, Hodgkin’s disease, nasal polyps or liver disease before staring an aspirin regimen.
5. Those that are in their third trimester of pregnancy or are breast feeding should not use aspirin.
6. Some drugs, including Azid, valproic acid, methotrexate or medications that are designed to manage gout, high blood pressure or diabetes can cause adverse reactions when combined with aspirin. This includes cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone and blood thinners.
7. Because aspirin is a blood thinner you should stop using this product a week before any type of surgery, even dental work. Taking aspirin can also increase your risk of prolonged bleeding for up to 10 days after an operation.
8. You should take non-coated aspirin with milk or food to avoid upset stomach.
9. Those living in tropical climates should avoid using aspirin if they suspect they have Dengue Fever or you are showing symptoms of the disease. Taking aspirin during an outbreak of Dengue Fever can lead to an irreversible syndrome.