What is a Patient Information Leaflet and why is it useful?

The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from this version because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged.

PDF icon Download Leaflet View the patient leaflet in PDF format

Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information Leaflet. The original leaflet can be viewed using the link above.

The text only version may be available in large print, Braille or audio CD. For further information call emc accessibility on 0800 198 5000. The product code(s) for this leaflet is: PL 08977/0002.

Boots Aspirin 300 mg Tablets

Patient Information Leaflet for

Boots Aspirin 300 mg Tablets

Read this leaflet carefully before taking these tablets.

It does not contain all the information about your medicine that you may need to know, so ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

This leaflet only applies to Aspirin 300 mg Tablets.

1. WHAT THESE TABLETS DO

These tablets contain Aspirin, which is a type of painkiller. It is used to relieve pain, swelling and high temperature. It can be used to treat headaches, migraine, neuralgia, toothache, sore throat, period pains and for the relief of sprains, strains, rheumatic pain, sciatica, lumbago, muscle aches, fibrositis, joint swelling and stiffness.

2. CHECK BEFORE YOU TAKE

Do not take these tablets if you:

  • Are allergic to Aspirin, NSAIDs which includes those when in attacks of asthma, angioedema, urticaria or rhinitis have been precipitated by aspirin or any other NSAID or any of the other ingredients listed in section 6
  • Have a stomach ulcer, or have had problems with ulcers in the past
  • Suffer from haemophilia or any other bleeding condition
  • Suffer from gout or had it in the past
  • Are in the last 3 months of pregnancy or are breastfeeding.

Important warning:

Do not give this medicine to children under the age of 16 unless your doctor tells you. This is because there is a possible association between Aspirin and Reye’s syndrome when given to children. Reye’s syndrome is a very rare disease, which can be fatal.

Take special care and tell your doctor if you:

  • Are intolerant to some sugars as these tablets contain lactose
  • Have asthma or have ever had it in the past
  • Have dehydration
  • Have been told you are deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are already taking any of the following medicines, as their effectiveness may be influenced by aspirin if they are taken at the same time.

  • Metoclopramide (for sickness and digestive disorders)
  • Blood thinning medicines such as Heparin, Warfarin or nicoumalone
  • Corticosteroids e.g. hydrocortisone (which can be used for arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory conditions)
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines or steroids for pain and inflammation e.g. ibuprofen
  • High blood pressure medicines e.g diuretic/water tablets, Angio-II receptor antagonists or ACE inhibitors
  • Epilepsy medicines e.g. Phenytoin, sodium valproate
  • Methotrexate (for psoriasis, arthritis or tumours)
  • Antacids for indigestion
  • Probenecid or sulphinpyrazone for gout
  • Anti depressants e.g. citalopram
    Before using aspirin inform your doctor about the medicines you are taking. If you are using aspirin regularly seek advice of your doctor before taking any other medicine (including other medicines that you have bought).

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Aspirin should not be taken in the last three months of pregnancy. Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

3. HOW TO TAKE THE TABLETS

Dosage in adults, the elderly and children over the age of 16 years:

Take 1 to 3 tablets with water, every 4 hours. Do not take more than 4 doses in any 24 hours. A lower dose is recommended for the elderly.

When taking this medicine, it is important to remember the following:

  • Do not give to children aged under 16 years unless told by your doctor
  • Do not exceed stated dose
  • Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY if you accidentally take too many tablets
  • If you miss a dose, do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose
  • If symptoms persist for more than 3 days consult your doctor

4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Most people will not have problems, but some may get some.

If you get any of these serious side effects, stop taking the tablets. See a doctor at once:

  • You are sick and it contains blood or dark particles that look like coffee grounds
  • Pass blood in your stools or pass black tarry stools
  • Stomach problems including pain, indigestion or heartburn
  • Allergic reactions such as skin rash, swelling of the face, neck or throat, worsening of asthma, difficulty in breathing
  • Bleeding on the brain which may cause a severe headache or stroke

These other effects are less serious.

If they bother you talk to a pharmacist:

  • Feeling sick, being sick, changes to the stomach lining (swelling or ulcers)
  • Increased bleeding time when you cut yourself, bleeding under the skin which may look like bruising
  • Nose bleeds (if a nose bleed is severe or lasts for a long time, talk to a doctor straight away)
  • Hearing problems (e.g. ringing in the ears), feeling dizzy (vertigo), feeling confused

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

5. STORING YOUR MEDICINE

Keep your medicine in a safe place where children cannot see or reach it.

Do not store above 25°C.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

6. MORE ABOUT YOUR MEDICINE

The active ingredient in these tablets is aspirin 300 mg.

The inactive ingredients are potato starch, lactose, and talc.

MA Holder and manufacturer:

Aspar Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Albany House
Acrewood Way
St Albans
AL4 0JY

Manufacturer:

Aspar Pharmaceuticals Ltd
29-30 Capitol Way
Colindale
London
NW9 0EQ

The distributor is

The Boots Company PLC
Nottingham
NG2 3AA

Boots Aspirin 300 mg Tablets are available in blister packs of 2,4,8,12,16, 24, 32, 48, 50, 96 or 100 tablets and they are also available in container packs of 8, 16, 24, 32, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 or 5000 tablets (Not all pack sizes are marketed).

Reference number: PL 08977/0002

Artwork reference: WBAG388447 Version A