Anadin Original Caplets 325mg/15mg – 16 Caplets
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What Are Anadin Original Caplets Used For?
Anadin Original Caplets are a classic British pain relief product with a long heritage of trusted analgesic use, now updated into a convenient caplet format. Unlike Anadin Extra, which combines aspirin with both paracetamol and caffeine, Anadin Original contains just two active ingredients: aspirin at the slightly higher dose of 325mg per caplet, and a modest amount of caffeine at 15mg per caplet. This simpler formulation makes Anadin Original a straightforward, paracetamol-free analgesic option for adults and young people aged 16 and over who want effective aspirin-based pain relief without the need to be concerned about paracetamol content when checking other medicines for potential interactions.
Aspirin at 325mg per caplet is the primary analgesic and antipyretic ingredient. It works through the well-established mechanism of irreversible COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibition, reducing prostaglandin synthesis throughout the body to provide anti-inflammatory and analgesic relief from mild to moderate pain and antipyretic activity to reduce fever. The 325mg dose per caplet is a standard analgesic dose, and the standard two-caplet adult dose of 650mg provides effective pain relief for headache, migraine, dental pain, period pain, backache, neuralgia, sore throat, and the aching and feverishness of colds and influenza. The caffeine component at 15mg per caplet — which amounts to 30mg in the standard two-caplet dose — acts as a mild analgesic adjuvant, contributing to the overall pain-relieving performance of the aspirin at this modest but clinically relevant concentration.
An important distinction from Anadin Extra is that Anadin Original does not contain paracetamol. This means the paracetamol overdose risk that applies to Anadin Extra when combined with other paracetamol-containing products does not apply to Anadin Original. This can simplify the medication management for those who take paracetamol-containing cold remedies or other products, as Anadin Original can be used without the need to check those products for paracetamol content — though the usual aspirin interactions and contraindications still apply fully, and it remains important to avoid combining Anadin Original with other NSAIDs or aspirin-containing products.
Anadin Original Caplets must not be given to anyone under 16 years of age due to the Reye's syndrome risk associated with all aspirin-containing products. Those with aspirin or salicylate allergies, peptic ulcer disease, or bleeding disorders must not use this product. For advice on the most appropriate analgesic for your needs, speak to a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist, or browse our full pain relief range.
How to Use Anadin Original Caplets
- Take 2 caplets with food and a full glass of water. Never take on an empty stomach — aspirin in contact with the unprotected stomach lining can cause irritation, nausea, and increased bleeding risk.
- Swallow caplets whole. Do not crush or chew. Swallow with plenty of water.
- Repeat every 4 hours as needed. Do not take more than 8 caplets in any 24-hour period.
- Do not use for more than 3 consecutive days without advice. If pain or fever persists, consult your pharmacist or GP.
Practical tips
- Taking with a meal or a glass of milk significantly reduces the risk of stomach irritation from aspirin.
- Avoid alcohol during treatment — alcohol increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with aspirin.
- Unlike Anadin Extra, Anadin Original contains no paracetamol, so you do not need to check other medicines for paracetamol content before use — though you should still check for other aspirin and NSAID-containing products.
Anadin Original Caplets Side Effects
Like all aspirin-containing medicines, Anadin Original can cause side effects, though most people taking short-term doses with food tolerate it well.
Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Nausea or stomach discomfort — substantially reduced by taking with food and water
Less common side effects (may affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Heartburn, vomiting
- Increased bleeding tendency due to aspirin's antiplatelet effect on platelets
Rare side effects (may affect fewer than 1 in 100 people)
- Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding — black or tarry stools, blood in vomit, or severe stomach pain
- Tinnitus — may indicate aspirin toxicity; stop taking and seek advice
- Bronchospasm or worsening of asthma in aspirin-sensitive individuals
- Skin rash, urticaria, or hypersensitivity reaction
Stop using and seek urgent medical help if you experience:
- Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain
- Tinnitus — stop immediately and seek advice
- Worsening breathing or severe asthma attack
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction — call 999 immediately
Report any unexpected reaction via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
How to Store Anadin Original Caplets
- Temperature: Store below 25°C. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Packaging: Keep in the original blister pack inside the outer carton.
- Do not refrigerate.
- Children: Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Contains aspirin — dangerous in overdose in children.
- Expiry: Do not use after the expiry date on the blister and outer carton.
- Disposal: Return unused caplets to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacy for safe disposal.
Who Are Anadin Original Caplets Suitable For?
Anadin Original Caplets are suitable for adults and young people aged 16 and over who experience mild to moderate pain and wish to use an aspirin-based analgesic without paracetamol.
Suitable for:
- Adults with headache, migraine, dental pain, neuralgia, period pain, backache, or sore throat
- Those experiencing feverishness and aching from colds and influenza
- Young people aged 16 to 17 under appropriate adult supervision
- Those who prefer a paracetamol-free aspirin analgesic to avoid concerns about combined paracetamol intake
- Those who find single-ingredient paracetamol insufficient but prefer aspirin without the paracetamol component
Not suitable for — do not use if you:
- Are under 16 years of age — aspirin is absolutely contraindicated in those under 16 due to Reye's syndrome risk
- Have a known allergy to aspirin, salicylates, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs
- Have an active peptic ulcer or significant gastrointestinal bleeding history
- Have haemophilia or any other bleeding disorder
- Have severe kidney, liver, or heart failure
- Are in the third trimester of pregnancy
Use with caution or seek advice first if you:
- Take warfarin or other anticoagulants — aspirin significantly enhances anticoagulant effect
- Have asthma that may be aspirin-sensitive
- Have a history of peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal problems
- Are pregnant (first or second trimester) or breastfeeding
- Are elderly — increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Have kidney or liver impairment, gout, or diabetes
- Take low-dose antiplatelet aspirin (75mg) — do not add analgesic aspirin doses without medical advice
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free guidance on the most appropriate analgesic for your needs and health history.
Active Ingredients in Anadin Original Caplets 325mg/15mg
| Ingredient | Strength per caplet | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) | 325mg | The primary analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory active ingredient. Irreversibly inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. At 325mg per caplet (650mg standard two-caplet dose), provides effective analgesic coverage for headache, migraine, dental pain, period pain, cold and flu symptoms, and rheumatic and muscular pain. The slightly higher per-caplet dose than in Anadin Extra (325mg vs 300mg) provides a marginally larger aspirin dose per two-caplet administration. |
| Caffeine | 15mg | Analgesic adjuvant at a modest concentration that contributes to the overall pain-relieving effectiveness of the aspirin. At 15mg per caplet (30mg in the standard two-caplet dose — equivalent to a small cup of tea), the caffeine content is lower than in Anadin Extra (45mg per caplet) and is unlikely to cause significant stimulant effects in most people. Important note: this product contains no paracetamol, which simplifies concurrent use with paracetamol-containing cold remedies and combined products without the paracetamol overdose risk that applies to Anadin Extra. |
Anadin Original Caplets Dosage — How Much to Take
Adults and young people aged 16 and over
- Dose: 2 caplets per dose.
- Frequency: Every 4 hours as needed.
- Maximum daily dose: 8 caplets (2600mg aspirin; 120mg caffeine) in any 24-hour period.
- How to take: Swallow with a full glass of water, with or just after food.
Children and young people under 16
Do not give to anyone under 16 years of age. Contains aspirin — absolute contraindication due to Reye's syndrome risk.
Elderly patients
Use with caution. Aspirin poses an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in elderly patients. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration and seek pharmacist or GP advice before regular use.
Key dosage notes
- Always take with food and a full glass of water to reduce gastric irritation.
- Do not exceed 8 caplets in any 24-hour period.
- Do not use for more than 3 consecutive days without pharmacist or GP advice.
- Do not take alongside other aspirin, salicylate, or NSAID-containing products.
Precautions When Using Anadin Original Caplets
Before use
- Confirm no aspirin or NSAID allergy before use.
- Review drug interactions and consult your pharmacist if you take warfarin or other regular medicines.
- Do not give to anyone under 16.
- Do not use in the third trimester of pregnancy.
- Do not take alongside low-dose antiplatelet aspirin (75mg) without medical advice.
During use
- Always take with food and a full glass of water.
- Do not exceed 8 caplets in 24 hours.
- Do not combine with other aspirin, salicylate, or NSAID-containing products.
- Avoid alcohol during treatment.
Duration of use
- Do not use for more than 3 consecutive days without seeking pharmacist or GP advice.
When to seek urgent medical advice
- Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain — signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Tinnitus — may indicate aspirin toxicity; stop immediately and seek advice.
- Worsening breathing or a severe asthma attack.
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction — call 999 immediately.
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free guidance on appropriate pain management options.
Full Ingredients in Anadin Original Caplets 325mg/15mg
Active ingredients per caplet: aspirin 325mg, caffeine 15mg.
This product does not contain paracetamol.
Excipients (inactive ingredients)
- Microcrystalline cellulose — binder and filler providing tablet structural integrity
- Starch — binder and disintegrant contributing to tablet structure and dissolution
- Colloidal anhydrous silica — flow agent ensuring consistent manufacturing quality
- Stearic acid — lubricant used in manufacture
- Hypromellose — film-coating agent providing the smooth outer coat
- Titanium dioxide — white colouring agent in the film coat
- Macrogol — plasticiser in the film coating system
If you have a known allergy to aspirin, salicylates, or any excipient, do not use this product. Consult a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before use if you are unsure.
Last reviewed: May 2026.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. A copy is included in the pack. For advice, speak to a Pearl Chemist pharmacist or call +44 (0)20 8672 2157.
What Are Anadin Original Caplets Used For?
Anadin Original Caplets are a classic British pain relief product with a long heritage of trusted analgesic use, now updated into a convenient caplet format. Unlike Anadin Extra, which combines aspirin with both paracetamol and caffeine, Anadin Original contains just two active ingredients: aspirin at the slightly higher dose of 325mg per caplet, and a modest amount of caffeine at 15mg per caplet. This simpler formulation makes Anadin Original a straightforward, paracetamol-free analgesic option for adults and young people aged 16 and over who want effective aspirin-based pain relief without the need to be concerned about paracetamol content when checking other medicines for potential interactions.
Aspirin at 325mg per caplet is the primary analgesic and antipyretic ingredient. It works through the well-established mechanism of irreversible COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibition, reducing prostaglandin synthesis throughout the body to provide anti-inflammatory and analgesic relief from mild to moderate pain and antipyretic activity to reduce fever. The 325mg dose per caplet is a standard analgesic dose, and the standard two-caplet adult dose of 650mg provides effective pain relief for headache, migraine, dental pain, period pain, backache, neuralgia, sore throat, and the aching and feverishness of colds and influenza. The caffeine component at 15mg per caplet — which amounts to 30mg in the standard two-caplet dose — acts as a mild analgesic adjuvant, contributing to the overall pain-relieving performance of the aspirin at this modest but clinically relevant concentration.
An important distinction from Anadin Extra is that Anadin Original does not contain paracetamol. This means the paracetamol overdose risk that applies to Anadin Extra when combined with other paracetamol-containing products does not apply to Anadin Original. This can simplify the medication management for those who take paracetamol-containing cold remedies or other products, as Anadin Original can be used without the need to check those products for paracetamol content — though the usual aspirin interactions and contraindications still apply fully, and it remains important to avoid combining Anadin Original with other NSAIDs or aspirin-containing products.
Anadin Original Caplets must not be given to anyone under 16 years of age due to the Reye's syndrome risk associated with all aspirin-containing products. Those with aspirin or salicylate allergies, peptic ulcer disease, or bleeding disorders must not use this product. For advice on the most appropriate analgesic for your needs, speak to a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist, or browse our full pain relief range.
How to Use Anadin Original Caplets
- Take 2 caplets with food and a full glass of water. Never take on an empty stomach — aspirin in contact with the unprotected stomach lining can cause irritation, nausea, and increased bleeding risk.
- Swallow caplets whole. Do not crush or chew. Swallow with plenty of water.
- Repeat every 4 hours as needed. Do not take more than 8 caplets in any 24-hour period.
- Do not use for more than 3 consecutive days without advice. If pain or fever persists, consult your pharmacist or GP.
Practical tips
- Taking with a meal or a glass of milk significantly reduces the risk of stomach irritation from aspirin.
- Avoid alcohol during treatment — alcohol increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with aspirin.
- Unlike Anadin Extra, Anadin Original contains no paracetamol, so you do not need to check other medicines for paracetamol content before use — though you should still check for other aspirin and NSAID-containing products.
Anadin Original Caplets Side Effects
Like all aspirin-containing medicines, Anadin Original can cause side effects, though most people taking short-term doses with food tolerate it well.
Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Nausea or stomach discomfort — substantially reduced by taking with food and water
Less common side effects (may affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Heartburn, vomiting
- Increased bleeding tendency due to aspirin's antiplatelet effect on platelets
Rare side effects (may affect fewer than 1 in 100 people)
- Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding — black or tarry stools, blood in vomit, or severe stomach pain
- Tinnitus — may indicate aspirin toxicity; stop taking and seek advice
- Bronchospasm or worsening of asthma in aspirin-sensitive individuals
- Skin rash, urticaria, or hypersensitivity reaction
Stop using and seek urgent medical help if you experience:
- Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain
- Tinnitus — stop immediately and seek advice
- Worsening breathing or severe asthma attack
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction — call 999 immediately
Report any unexpected reaction via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
How to Store Anadin Original Caplets
- Temperature: Store below 25°C. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Packaging: Keep in the original blister pack inside the outer carton.
- Do not refrigerate.
- Children: Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Contains aspirin — dangerous in overdose in children.
- Expiry: Do not use after the expiry date on the blister and outer carton.
- Disposal: Return unused caplets to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacy for safe disposal.
Who Are Anadin Original Caplets Suitable For?
Anadin Original Caplets are suitable for adults and young people aged 16 and over who experience mild to moderate pain and wish to use an aspirin-based analgesic without paracetamol.
Suitable for:
- Adults with headache, migraine, dental pain, neuralgia, period pain, backache, or sore throat
- Those experiencing feverishness and aching from colds and influenza
- Young people aged 16 to 17 under appropriate adult supervision
- Those who prefer a paracetamol-free aspirin analgesic to avoid concerns about combined paracetamol intake
- Those who find single-ingredient paracetamol insufficient but prefer aspirin without the paracetamol component
Not suitable for — do not use if you:
- Are under 16 years of age — aspirin is absolutely contraindicated in those under 16 due to Reye's syndrome risk
- Have a known allergy to aspirin, salicylates, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs
- Have an active peptic ulcer or significant gastrointestinal bleeding history
- Have haemophilia or any other bleeding disorder
- Have severe kidney, liver, or heart failure
- Are in the third trimester of pregnancy
Use with caution or seek advice first if you:
- Take warfarin or other anticoagulants — aspirin significantly enhances anticoagulant effect
- Have asthma that may be aspirin-sensitive
- Have a history of peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal problems
- Are pregnant (first or second trimester) or breastfeeding
- Are elderly — increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Have kidney or liver impairment, gout, or diabetes
- Take low-dose antiplatelet aspirin (75mg) — do not add analgesic aspirin doses without medical advice
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free guidance on the most appropriate analgesic for your needs and health history.
Active Ingredients in Anadin Original Caplets 325mg/15mg
| Ingredient | Strength per caplet | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) | 325mg | The primary analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory active ingredient. Irreversibly inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. At 325mg per caplet (650mg standard two-caplet dose), provides effective analgesic coverage for headache, migraine, dental pain, period pain, cold and flu symptoms, and rheumatic and muscular pain. The slightly higher per-caplet dose than in Anadin Extra (325mg vs 300mg) provides a marginally larger aspirin dose per two-caplet administration. |
| Caffeine | 15mg | Analgesic adjuvant at a modest concentration that contributes to the overall pain-relieving effectiveness of the aspirin. At 15mg per caplet (30mg in the standard two-caplet dose — equivalent to a small cup of tea), the caffeine content is lower than in Anadin Extra (45mg per caplet) and is unlikely to cause significant stimulant effects in most people. Important note: this product contains no paracetamol, which simplifies concurrent use with paracetamol-containing cold remedies and combined products without the paracetamol overdose risk that applies to Anadin Extra. |
Anadin Original Caplets Dosage — How Much to Take
Adults and young people aged 16 and over
- Dose: 2 caplets per dose.
- Frequency: Every 4 hours as needed.
- Maximum daily dose: 8 caplets (2600mg aspirin; 120mg caffeine) in any 24-hour period.
- How to take: Swallow with a full glass of water, with or just after food.
Children and young people under 16
Do not give to anyone under 16 years of age. Contains aspirin — absolute contraindication due to Reye's syndrome risk.
Elderly patients
Use with caution. Aspirin poses an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in elderly patients. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration and seek pharmacist or GP advice before regular use.
Key dosage notes
- Always take with food and a full glass of water to reduce gastric irritation.
- Do not exceed 8 caplets in any 24-hour period.
- Do not use for more than 3 consecutive days without pharmacist or GP advice.
- Do not take alongside other aspirin, salicylate, or NSAID-containing products.
Precautions When Using Anadin Original Caplets
Before use
- Confirm no aspirin or NSAID allergy before use.
- Review drug interactions and consult your pharmacist if you take warfarin or other regular medicines.
- Do not give to anyone under 16.
- Do not use in the third trimester of pregnancy.
- Do not take alongside low-dose antiplatelet aspirin (75mg) without medical advice.
During use
- Always take with food and a full glass of water.
- Do not exceed 8 caplets in 24 hours.
- Do not combine with other aspirin, salicylate, or NSAID-containing products.
- Avoid alcohol during treatment.
Duration of use
- Do not use for more than 3 consecutive days without seeking pharmacist or GP advice.
When to seek urgent medical advice
- Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain — signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Tinnitus — may indicate aspirin toxicity; stop immediately and seek advice.
- Worsening breathing or a severe asthma attack.
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction — call 999 immediately.
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free guidance on appropriate pain management options.
Full Ingredients in Anadin Original Caplets 325mg/15mg
Active ingredients per caplet: aspirin 325mg, caffeine 15mg.
This product does not contain paracetamol.
Excipients (inactive ingredients)
- Microcrystalline cellulose — binder and filler providing tablet structural integrity
- Starch — binder and disintegrant contributing to tablet structure and dissolution
- Colloidal anhydrous silica — flow agent ensuring consistent manufacturing quality
- Stearic acid — lubricant used in manufacture
- Hypromellose — film-coating agent providing the smooth outer coat
- Titanium dioxide — white colouring agent in the film coat
- Macrogol — plasticiser in the film coating system
If you have a known allergy to aspirin, salicylates, or any excipient, do not use this product. Consult a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before use if you are unsure.
Last reviewed: May 2026.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. A copy is included in the pack. For advice, speak to a Pearl Chemist pharmacist or call +44 (0)20 8672 2157.
FAQs
What is the difference between Anadin Original and Anadin Extra?
The key differences are twofold. First, Anadin Extra contains paracetamol 200mg per caplet in addition to aspirin and caffeine, whereas Anadin Original contains only aspirin and caffeine. Second, the caffeine content is different — Anadin Original contains 15mg caffeine per caplet, whereas Anadin Extra contains 45mg. The absence of paracetamol in Anadin Original is a significant practical advantage for those who take other paracetamol-containing medicines, as it removes the need to check those products for paracetamol content and eliminates the paracetamol overdose risk that requires careful monitoring with Anadin Extra. Anadin Extra provides stronger combined analgesic action due to the additional paracetamol and higher caffeine content, making it potentially more effective for more severe pain. Anadin Original offers a simpler aspirin-caffeine combination that some people prefer for its straightforward pharmacology.
Can I take Anadin Original alongside a cold and flu remedy that contains paracetamol?
Yes — unlike Anadin Extra, Anadin Original does not contain paracetamol, so combining it with a paracetamol-containing cold and flu remedy does not create a paracetamol overdose risk. However, you should still check that the cold remedy does not also contain aspirin or another NSAID, as combining two aspirin or NSAID-containing products increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects and bleeding. If you are unsure about combining products, your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist can advise on safe combinations for your specific medicines.
Is the caffeine content in Anadin Original enough to cause side effects?
The caffeine content of Anadin Original is 15mg per caplet — 30mg in the standard two-caplet dose. This is a modest amount, broadly equivalent to a small cup of tea or a third of a typical espresso. For the vast majority of adults, this quantity of caffeine is unlikely to cause noticeable stimulant effects or sleep disturbance. Those who are highly caffeine-sensitive may prefer to avoid taking the product late in the evening as a precaution, but for most people the caffeine content of Anadin Original is unlikely to be clinically significant in isolation.
Can I take Anadin Original if I take low-dose aspirin (75mg) for my heart?
No, not without medical advice. Adding analgesic-dose aspirin (325mg per caplet, 650mg per standard dose) on top of your daily antiplatelet 75mg aspirin significantly increases your total aspirin exposure and substantially raises the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and other aspirin-related side effects. Speak to your GP or pharmacist about a suitable aspirin-free pain reliever — such as paracetamol alone — that can be used safely alongside your cardiovascular aspirin therapy.
Does Anadin Original contain any sodium?
No. Anadin Original Caplets are solid-dose tablets and do not contain sodium bicarbonate or other sodium-containing excipients as part of an effervescent system. The sodium content per caplet is negligible. This is in contrast to the Anadin Extra Soluble Tablets, which contain significant sodium per dose from the effervescent buffer system. For those on a sodium-restricted diet who need an aspirin-based analgesic, Anadin Original Caplets or Anadin Extra Caplets (also low in sodium) are preferable to the soluble tablet variants.