Aspirin dosing depends on why it’s being used (pain/fever vs. heart- and stroke-prevention) and your age, bleeding risk, and other medications.
How much aspirin for pain or fever?
For adults, the typical over-the-counter dosing for pain or fever is 325–650 mg every 4–6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 4,000 mg in 24 hours.
How much aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention?
For prevention in adults, clinicians often use a low-dose regimen around 75–100 mg once daily (many products are 81 mg in the U.S.). Some people may be prescribed higher doses, but the “baby aspirin” range is the common prevention dose.
What about blood clots after a heart attack or stroke?
After certain cardiovascular events, aspirin dosing is usually in the low-dose (roughly 81–325 mg/day) range, depending on the specific condition and whether other blood thinners are also prescribed.
Can children take aspirin?
Do not give aspirin to children or teens for viral illnesses (like flu or chickenpox) because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Pediatric dosing, if ever used for a specific medical condition, must be determined by a clinician.
When should you avoid or ask a doctor first?
Talk to a clinician before using aspirin if you have a history of stomach ulcers or GI bleeding, take other blood thinners (like warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban), take NSAIDs regularly, have bleeding disorders, are allergic to aspirin/NSAIDs, or have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Quick clarification to get the right number
Are you asking for aspirin for pain/fever, or for heart/stroke prevention? And what age is the person taking it?