Does aspirin cause heartburn?

Yes. Aspirin can cause heartburn and other stomach upset in many people.

Why it happens:
- Aspirin is an NSAID that can irritate the stomach lining and reduce protective prostaglandins, which can lead to dyspepsia, gastritis, or ulcers.

Who’s more at risk:
- Higher doses or taking it on an empty stomach
- History of ulcers, gastritis, or GERD
- Older age
- Using other stomach-irritating meds (another NSAID, steroids) or alcohol
- Taking anticoagulants or some other prescription medicines

Tips to reduce heartburn risk:
- Take aspirin with a full glass of water and with food, if tolerated.
- Don’t lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking it.
- Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible; discuss long-term use with your clinician.
- Some people try enteric-coated or buffered formulations, but these don’t completely eliminate GI side effects (talk to your doctor about what’s best for you).
- Avoid or limit alcohol and avoid combining with other NSAIDs or stomach irritants unless advised.

When to seek care:
- Frequent or severe heartburn, especially if you have black/tarry stools, vomiting blood, or severe abdominal pain.
- Chest pain or other symptoms that could signal a heart attack (seek emergency care if these occur).

If you’re using aspirin for heart health or a chronic condition, talk with a healthcare provider before stopping or changing the medication. If you share your dose, how you take it, and any GI history, I can tailor more specific considerations.