Recent Blog Articles
Gun violence: A long-lasting toll on children and teens
Adult female acne: Why it happens and the emotional toll
Talking to your doctor about your LGBTQ+ sex life
Untangling grief: Living beyond a great loss
Thunderstorm asthma: Bad weather, allergies, and asthma attacks
Heart problems and the heat: What to know and do
I’m too young to have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, right?
Period equity: What it is and why it matters
Back pain: Will treatment for the mind, body—or both—help?
Colon cancer screening decisions: What’s the best option and when?
Heart Health
Aspirin advice: Coated vs. plain
Ask the doctor
Image: © ironstealth/Thinkstock
Q. Ever since my heart attack, I've been taking a daily low-dose aspirin. I usually buy enteric-coated aspirin to reduce my risk of a stomach ulcer, but I read that coated aspirin may not be as effective as plain aspirin. What do you recommend?
A. Much of the aspirin sold in the United States is enteric-coated. Sometimes referred to as safety-coated, these smooth pills are designed to withstand stomach acid and pass through the stomach before fully dissolving in the small intestine (enteric comes from the Greek word for intestine).
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
