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Daily aspirin therapy: Understand the benefits and risks

Should you take a coated aspirin?

Coated aspirin is also called enteric-coated aspirin. It is designed to pass through the stomach and not dissolve until it reaches the small intestine. Coated aspirin may be gentler on the stomach and may be appropriate for some people who take a daily aspirin, especially those with a history of gastrointestinal inflammation or ulcers.

But there's no evidence that taking coated aspirin decreases the chance of developing gastrointestinal bleeding. Also, coated aspirin may not work as well as plain aspirin when taken at the time of a possible heart attack. Talk to your health care provider if you're concerned about ways to decrease your bleeding risk.