A Doctor Explains Why Baby Aspirin Isn't Actually Meant For Babies

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Pharmacist Dr. Stacia Woodcock was back in the studio, putting our audience to the test with questions about over-the-counter medications. And the doc wasted no time busting a misconception about baby aspirin.

True or False? Baby aspirin is not meant for babies.

The answer? True. Our audience was split 50/50 because the name can fool, but don't let it! Baby aspirin typically should NOT be given to young children, Dr. Stacia says.

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"When it originally came out, they gave it to children and infants, and what they found was there are specific viruses that if you give a child aspirin will cause something called Reye's syndrome which can be fatal," the doctor explains. "So they no longer recommend aspirin use for children or infants unless it's under a doctor's supervision."

Baby aspirin is low dose (81 milligram) aspirin used for blood thinning and heart protection. But according to Stacia, you should only take it if your doctor prescribes it to you.

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