Aspirin Fact Center - Dosage Information

No. This formula contains caffeine as an adjuvant which aids in the action of the aspirin for pain relief. It has not been assessed for its appropriateness in treating a suspected heart attack, so it is not appropriate for cardiovascular use. Bayer does offer other formulas, such as our Chewable Low Dose "Baby" Aspirin or Genuine Bayer Aspirin 325 mg for cardiovascular uses.

Aspirin can reduce the risk of death if taken as directed by a physician as soon as a heart attack is suspected. The FDA has approved one-half (160- 162.5 mg) of a regular-strength aspirin tablet to reduce the risk of death when aspirin is administered/chewed during a suspected heart attack and continued under a doctor’s direction for 30 days thereafter. Studies show that the risk of death in this case may be reduced by up to 23%. Back

Can I use Bayer Aspirin beyond the labeled expiration date?

It is not recommended to use any over-the-counter product beyond the labeled expiration date. Like all drugs, aspirin can deteriorate over time and not be as effective once it is past expiration. Back

How does aspirin work?

Aspirin reduces the production of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which are produced in tissues throughout the body. Prostaglandins have many functions. They are part of the chemical messenger systems involved in feeling pain, fever, the redness and swelling that can accompany injuries, and even in contracting certain muscles, for example, the uterus. Since aspirin lowers the amount of prostaglandins, it can help alleviate conditions like pain, fever and the discomfort of menstrual cramps.

Aspirin also reduces production of substances involved in the early stages of our body's blood clotting mechanism. This is why doctors may prescribe aspirin, as part of a regimen, for appropriate individuals to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke. Back

Is aspirin safe?

Bayer HealthCare goes to great lengths to ensure that all of our products are safe. To that point, aspirin is one of the most extensively studied drugs in history with a 100-year track record of safety and efficacy. Please be assured that Bayer Aspirin is safe and effective when used as directed. Back

What is meant by "safety coating" or "enteric coating"?

Enteric coating is a delayed-release safety coating that provides added stomach protection. It is designed to allow the aspirin tablet or caplet to pass through the stomach to the small intestine (duodenum) before dissolving.

This delayed release coating means that it will take 2-5 hours for the aspirin to be absorbed. For this reason, products with enteric coating are not recommended for quick pain relief or use in an emergency situation. Enteric coated aspirin is most often used by patients who are on an aspirin regimen under their doctor's supervision or recommendation. Back

Do I need to take aspirin with food?

Food physically blocks the drug from getting to the wall of the stomach where absorption occurs. While there is no impact on efficacy, some people find that taking medications with food may prevent irritation. Back

Why must I take aspirin with a full glass of water?

It is best to take aspirin with a full eight ounces of water to ease swallowing and facilitate absorption of the aspirin. Back

Does Bayer make a "baby aspirin"?

Yes. Baby aspirin is a term often used to mean a low strength, 81 mg aspirin product. Bayer offers the following low dose aspirin products:

Bayer Adult Low Dose 81 mg Aspirin, Bayer Women's Low Dose 81 mg Aspirin with Calcium Carbonate Buffer, Bayer Chewable Low Dose 81 mg Aspirin (orange and cherry flavor). Back

Does Bayer offer any "buffered aspirin" forms?

Yes, our Extra Strength Bayer Plus contains calcium carbonate as a buffering ingredient. It works to help neutralize stomach acid. Back

Why is Bayer Chewable Low Dose 81 mg Aspirin only available in 36-count bottles?

Because this is a flavored product, we are limited to the 36-tablet size for safety reasons. If a child were to open the package and consume all of the tablets, 36 tablets are considered a non-toxic amount. Please be aware that we offer two other low dose aspirin alternatives in larger count sizes - Bayer Adult Low Dose 81 mg in 120-count, 200-count, and 300-count bottles and Bayer Women's Adult Low Dose 81 mg Aspirin with Calcium Carbonate Buffer in a 60-count size. Back

Are other OTC (over the counter) pain relievers more effective than aspirin?

No OTC analgesic has been proven to be more effective than aspirin. In fact, a dosage of two Extra-Strength Bayer Aspirin has been proven to be as effective on tough pain as the most prescribed dosage of Tylenol® with Codeine #3 in headache and dental pain studies. It is a fact that aspirin is a great choice for active people, whether you've got sore knees from gardening or a throbbing elbow from a tough game of tennis. And only aspirin provides both highly effective for pain relief and additional benefits when taken under the direction of a doctor - the ability to reduce the inflammation and swelling of arthritis, prevent a second heart attack or stroke, and even save lives when taken during a suspected heart attack. Back

Is it true that Extra Strength Bayer Aspirin is as strong as Tylenol® with Codeine #3?

Yes, it's true. Clinical testing (in dental and headache pain) has shown that two ESB Gelcaps are just as effective on tough pain as Tylenol with Codeine #3 in the most prescribed dosage. No over-the-counter pain reliever is more effective at powering away your toughest pain. Back

What is "Toleraid® micro-coating"?

Toleraid refers to the film coating on the aspirin tablet. This very thin coating makes the tablet easier to swallow for those who have difficulty in swallowing uncoated tablets and caplets. Back

What type of starch is used in Bayer aspirin?

We use cornstarch in the various Bayer Aspirin formulations. Back

What is the calcium derived from?

The ultimate source of our calcium is limestone. We do not use oyster shell. Back

Is Bayer Aspirin sodium-free?

Yes. According to FDA guidelines, all of our Bayer Aspirin products are considered sodium-free. Back

What is the purpose of the small gray container in the aspirin bottle?

This container is called a desiccant. Desiccants help absorb any moisture in the bottle. Please be aware that once you open the bottle for the first time, you may remove and discard the desiccant canister. Back

How many "grains" of aspirin are in each caplet?

The amount of aspirin in a tablet, caplet or gelcap may be expressed either in milligrams (mg) or in grains. Please note this simple conversion:

Milligrams	81	325	500	650
Number of Grains	1.25	5.0	7.7	10.0

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Heart Health Advantage™ from Bayer Aspirin

What is Heart Health Advantage™ from the makers of Bayer® Aspirin?

Heart Health Advantage™ is a nutritional supplement offering the benefit of phytosterols, a natural plant-based ingredient proven to help lower bad (LDL) cholesterol, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Heart Health Advantage™ is not a replacement for cholesterol-lowering medications, as its label and advertising clearly indicate. Back

What are phytosterols?

Phytosterols, also known as plant sterols, are a natural plant-based ingredient that has been proven to lower cholesterol, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Phytosterols help block the absorption of cholesterol from the digestive tract, which helps to lower LDL. Back

Who should take Heart Health Advantage™?

Heart Health Advantage™ can be appropriate for patients who are concerned about their cholesterol.

Heart Health Advantage™ can be added an aspirin regimen, but first ask your doctor if adding Heart Health Advantage™ is right for you. Back

Can patients currently taking statins take Heart Health Advantage™ instead of, or with, their prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication?

Heart Health Advantage™ is not intended as a replacement to cholesterol-lowering medication. If you are on a cholesterol-lowering medication, ask your doctor if Heart Health Advantage™ is right for you. Back

By how much can you lower cholesterol with 800mg per day of phytosterols?

While the reduction may vary among individuals, published data suggest that, on average, LDL cholesterol may be reduced by approximately 4 to 7 percent. Even a modest reduction such as this can have a positive health benefit. Back

How long does it take for Heart Health Advantage™ to begin lowering cholesterol?

The length of time varies from individual to individual. It may take weeks or months to see an effect. Please speak to your doctor to ask if Heart Health Advantage™ is right for you. Heart Health Advantage™ is not a replacement for any cholesterol-lowering medications. Back

Can Heart Health Advantage™ be taken with aspirin?

Yes, when used as directed by a physician. Heart Health Advantage™ can be beneficial to millions of Americans who are on a doctor-recommended aspirin regimen and are concerned about their cholesterol.

If you are on an aspirin regimen, ask your doctor if Heart Health Advantage™ is right for you. Heart Health Advantage™ is not a replacement for cholesterol-lowering medications. Back

How many caplets should be taken to get the required, beneficial amount of phytosterols?

At least one caplet should be taken twice daily with meals or as directed by your physician. Back

Can I take the two Heart Health Advantage™ caplets at the same time?

No. The FDA health claim is for phytosterols to be taken twice daily with meals (at least 800mg in divided doses). Back

The Heart Health Advantage™ packaging says take twice daily. Should I take my aspirin twice daily as well?

For those on an aspirin regimen, consult your doctor on the appropriate dosage and frequency. Back

Can this product be used with other dietary supplements containing phytosterols (e.g. Benecol)?

We are unaware of any established upper limits for phytosterols. Back