Aspirin dosage and frequency depend on the purpose and the form of aspirin being taken:
- For occasional pain relief, adults can take 1 or 2 regular aspirin tablets (usually 300 mg each) every 4 to 6 hours, but should not exceed 12 tablets in 24 hours. Over-the-counter doses generally should not exceed 650 mg every four hours or 975 mg every six hours, with a maximum of 4,000 mg per day.
- For fever or pain, adults can take aspirin every 4 to 6 hours as needed, following package directions or doctor advice.
- Low-dose aspirin (usually 75 to 150 mg once daily) is commonly prescribed for heart attack or stroke prevention. It's often taken once a day, usually with food to reduce stomach upset, and should be continued under medical supervision.
- Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers with viral illnesses due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
- Never exceed recommended doses or take aspirin for longer than advised without consulting a doctor. If pain or fever persist beyond a few days, seek medical advice.
In summary, aspirin for pain or fever is taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed with limits on total daily dosage, and low-dose aspirin for heart-related prevention is usually taken once daily as directed by a healthcare provider.