Which Drugs or Foods React with Aspirin?

What Aspirin Does and Why Interactions Matter

Aspirin is one of the most widely used medicines in the UK. People take it to relieve pain, reduce fever, and manage conditions like arthritis. Doctors also prescribe low dose aspirin to help prevent heart attacks and strokes in people at higher risk.

Although aspirin is available over the counter, it still requires careful use, particularly over longer periods or in certain groups of people. Aspirin is generally well tolerated when used as directed, but it can interact with other medicines, supplements, and even certain foods. These interactions may reduce how well your medicines work or increase the chance of side effects, particularly bleeding.

Medicines That May Interact with Aspirin

Several prescription and over the counter medicines can interact with aspirin. Your pharmacist can help you check for interactions before you start taking aspirin alongside other treatments. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of the following:

• Ibuprofen, naproxen, and other anti inflammatory painkillers, which can increase stomach bleeding risk
• Warfarin and other blood thinning medicines, as aspirin also affects clotting
• Methotrexate, used for arthritis and some cancers
• Probenecid and sulfinpyrazone, which treat gout
• Ketorolac, a strong painkiller often used after surgery
• Cidofovir, an antiviral medicine
• Procarbazine, a chemotherapy drug

This list is not complete. If you take medicines for diabetes or glaucoma, or if you have a bleeding disorder such as haemophilia or thrombocytopenia, discuss aspirin use with a healthcare professional. Regular medication reviews with your GP or pharmacist can help identify potential interactions and keep your treatment plan safe.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Alcohol, Herbal Remedies, and Food

Drinking alcohol while taking aspirin raises the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding. The NHS advises limiting alcohol or avoiding it altogether when using aspirin regularly.

Some herbal supplements can also interact with aspirin. These include ginkgo biloba, feverfew, garlic supplements, ginger in medicinal doses, and horse chestnut. Each of these may affect bleeding or how aspirin works in your body. If you use herbal remedies, mention them when speaking to your pharmacist or GP.

Bismuth subsalicylate, found in some indigestion remedies, contains a compound related to aspirin. Taking both together can lead to an excessive dose of salicylates, which may cause side effects.

When to Seek Advice

Certain health conditions can make aspirin less suitable or require extra care. These include anaemia, asthma, and liver or kidney disease. If you have any of these, your doctor can advise whether aspirin is appropriate and what dose to use.

The patient information leaflet included with your medicine contains important details about interactions and precautions. Reading it before you start treatment helps you understand what to watch for and when to seek help.

If you notice unusual bleeding, bruising, or stomach pain while taking aspirin, contact your GP surgery or speak to a pharmacist promptly. They can assess whether your symptoms relate to an interaction and suggest next steps.

For reliable information about medicines and their interactions, the NHS website provides detailed guidance. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency also publishes safety updates on its GOV.UK pages.

Taking a few minutes to check for interactions can help you avoid unnecessary problems and get the most benefit from your treatment.