Aspirin and Nausea: What to Know and How to Cope

Aspirin can cause nausea in some people, and this is a recognized side effect. ^[1] Nausea may occur along with other stomach-related symptoms like vomiting, stomach pain, or heartburn. ^[1] Consumer drug labels also warn that stomach upset can happen with aspirin and suggest taking doses with food or milk if it occurs. ^{[2] [3] [4]}

Why Aspirin Can Cause Nausea

• Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can irritate the stomach lining, which may lead to nausea and heartburn. ^[1]
• Stomach irritation can be more likely at higher doses, with frequent use, or in people with a history of stomach problems. Older adults and those using alcohol or other NSAIDs may have higher risks of stomach side effects. ^[5]

When Nausea Is Concerning

• Persistent or severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain could be a sign of a stomach bleed, which needs prompt medical attention. Warning signs include black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, feeling faint, or pain that doesn’t improve. ^{[2] [3] [4]}
• Nausea with hives, facial swelling, wheezing, or trouble breathing may suggest an allergic reaction and warrants immediate care. ^[1]
• In children and teens, nausea and vomiting while taking aspirin can be an early sign of Reye’s syndrome; aspirin should generally be avoided in these age groups unless a doctor specifically advises it. ^{[6] [7] [8] [9]}

Practical Ways to Reduce Nausea

• Take aspirin with food or milk to lessen stomach upset. This simple step is commonly recommended on consumer aspirin labels. ^{[2] [3] [4]}
• Consider using an enteric‑coated (film‑coated) or buffered formulation, which may be gentler on the stomach for some people. These forms are designed to reduce direct stomach irritation. ^[2]
• Avoid alcohol and limit other NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) unless a clinician advises otherwise, since combining them can raise stomach risks. ^[5]
• If you need daily aspirin for heart or stroke prevention and have ongoing stomach symptoms, your clinician might consider adding a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to lower upper‑GI risks, or using a fixed‑dose option that combines aspirin with omeprazole in appropriate cases. [PM22] [PM19]
• Discuss dose and timing: using the lowest effective dose and possibly splitting doses can sometimes help reduce queasiness, though this should be guided by your clinician. ^[5]

Who Should Be Especially Careful

• People with a history of ulcers, stomach bleeding, liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, or asthma should talk to a clinician before using aspirin. ^[5]
• Those on medications for gout, diabetes, or arthritis should check for interactions and stomach risk management. ^[5]
• Children and adolescents with viral illnesses should not use aspirin due to Reye’s syndrome risk. Seek medical guidance for age‑appropriate alternatives. ^{[6] [7] [8] [9]}

Red Flags: Seek Medical Care Now

• Black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, faintness, or severe stomach pain. These can signal stomach bleeding. ^{[2] [3] [4]}
• Allergic symptoms such as hives, facial swelling, wheezing, or trouble breathing. ^[1]
• Ongoing or worsening nausea and vomiting that does not improve despite taking aspirin with food or adjusting how you take it. ^[1]

Bottom Line

Aspirin can cause nausea, often related to stomach irritation, and many people can reduce this by taking it with food or using coated formulations. ^{[1] [2]} If nausea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by bleeding signs or allergic symptoms, seek medical care and review safer alternatives or protective strategies with your clinician. Using the lowest effective dose and personalized prevention (like PPIs for selected individuals) can help maintain aspirin benefits while limiting stomach side effects. [PM22] [PM19]