How much aspirin should I take before a long flight?

Aspirin? Taking 75mg (a quarter of a normal 300mg tablet) some hours before your flight may reduce your chances of a DVT slightly (but remember that Aspirin can sometimes cause indigestion in people with a tendency to it, if in doubt ask your GP);



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Taking aspirin to prevent blood clots when traveling is not recommended. If you take aspirin for other reasons, check with your doctor.

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Aspirin? Taking 75mg (a quarter of a normal 300mg tablet) some hours before your flight may reduce your chances of a DVT slightly (but remember that Aspirin can sometimes cause indigestion in people with a tendency to it, if in doubt ask your GP); Special cases.

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Your GP will not be able to advise on the use of anticoagulants for flying as it is a specialist issue, so allow plenty of time to get an opinion from your specialist. Note: aspirin is not used to prevent DVT.

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Prevent Blood Clots During Travel
  1. Stand up or walk occasionally. ...
  2. Exercise your calf muscles and stretch your legs while you're sitting. ...
  3. Talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings or taking medicine before departure if you have additional risk factors for blood clots.


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Move your legs frequently when on long trips and exercise your calf muscles to improve the flow of blood. If you've been sitting for a long time, take a break to stretch your legs. Extend your legs straight out and flex your ankles (pulling your toes toward you).

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Traveling longer than 8 hours, whether by plane, car, bus, or train, can increase risks for life-threatening blood clot. The risk of a blood clot is about 3-times higher for people traveling on long-distance flights.

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Research has shown that wearing compression socks during long-haul flights can significantly reduce the risk of developing blood clots and alleviate symptoms of leg fatigue and discomfort.

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These drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax). Motion sickness medication, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).

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What Are the Best—And Safest—Sleeping Pills for Flights?
  • Ambien. Ambien—the most powerful option on this list and the only one that requires a prescription—works as a sedative-hypnotic medication that slows your brain activity to make you feel very sleepy. ...
  • Tylenol PM. ...
  • Melatonin.


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Tips for travelling with high blood pressure: Bring your own food as airlines tend to provide snacks with added salt which can increase blood pressure levels. Avoid alcohol and any medication with a sedative effect – they can make you less active during a flight. Drink plenty of water.

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Blood clots affect about 1-2 in 1,000 U.S. adults per year, and the risk may double or triple after a flight that's 4+ hours. One study estimates that 1 in 4,600 travelers will have a blood clot within 4 weeks of a long flight.

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Compression socks may help. Whether you find yourself on a flight or a long car ride to visit family, compression garments for the legs can help prevent swelling, potential blood clots, and the general discomfort that comes from extended travel.

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After the flight If you have travelled by air you should be alert for the symptoms of DVT for up to one month after flying, and should seek medical help if any symptoms such as a swollen or painful leg, especially the calf, and/or breathing difficulties occur.

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