What Is Vazalore? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Aspirin has been used as a medicine for over a century. Vazalore is what happens when a pharmaceutical company takes this ancient drug and applies 21st-century drug delivery technology to it. The result: the first-ever liquid-filled aspirin capsule, FDA-approved in March 2021, designed to give patients the full cardiovascular and pain-relief benefits of aspirin — with less of the stomach damage.

What Is Vazalore?

Vazalore is a brand-name formulation of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) developed by PLx Pharma, now owned by Greenwood Brands. Unlike conventional aspirin tablets — which dissolve in the stomach — Vazalore is a liquid-filled capsule that uses PLxGuard technology: a proprietary phospholipid-aspirin complex that is designed to release in the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine) rather than the stomach. This targeted release limits direct contact with the stomach lining, reducing the risk of ulcers, erosions, and heartburn.

Vazalore is available over the counter (OTC) in two doses:

Vazalore 81 mg: Low-dose aspirin, primarily for cardiovascular secondary prevention (preventing repeat heart attacks or strokes)

Vazalore 325 mg: Regular-strength aspirin for pain relief, fever reduction, and higher-dose cardiovascular indications

What Is Vazalore Used For?

Vazalore has the same approved uses as any aspirin:

Secondary prevention of cardiovascular events: Reducing the risk of a second heart attack or clot-related stroke in people with existing cardiovascular disease. This is Vazalore's primary marketed indication.

Pain relief: Headaches, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, minor arthritis pain, toothache

Fever reduction: Reducing fever in adults (not children or teenagers with viral illness due to Reye's syndrome risk)

Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammation in arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, though NSAIDs like ibuprofen have largely replaced aspirin for this purpose

What Is Vazalore's Dosage?

Dosage depends on what you're treating:

Cardiovascular secondary prevention: 81 mg once daily, taken as directed by your doctor

Pain or fever (adults): 325–650 mg every 4–6 hours as needed, not exceeding 4,000 mg (4 g) per day. Do not use for pain for more than 10 days without talking to a doctor.

How to take it: Swallow the Vazalore capsule whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule. You may take it with food if it upsets your stomach, though it's specifically designed to minimize stomach contact.

How Is Vazalore Different From Regular Aspirin?

The active ingredient is the same: aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). What makes Vazalore different is its delivery system. Here's the comparison:

Immediate-release (plain) aspirin: Fast absorption, but dissolves in the stomach — highest risk of GI irritation

Enteric-coated aspirin (Ecotrin): Stomach protection, but delayed and often incomplete absorption — can lead to incomplete platelet inhibition

Vazalore: Fast, reliable absorption (equivalent to immediate-release) AND stomach protection — the best of both worlds

Who Should Take Vazalore?

Vazalore is particularly well-suited for:

Patients with a history of heart attack, stent placement (PCI), or clot-related stroke who need daily aspirin for secondary prevention

Patients who have experienced stomach upset, heartburn, or ulcers with other aspirin formulations

Patients with diabetes or other conditions where enteric-coated aspirin absorption may be particularly unreliable

Who Should NOT Take Vazalore?

Avoid Vazalore if you:

Are allergic to aspirin or any other NSAID

Have active stomach or intestinal bleeding

Are in the third trimester of pregnancy (unless directed by a doctor)

Are a child or teenager with chickenpox, flu, or any viral illness (Reye's syndrome risk)

Is Vazalore a Controlled Substance?

No. Vazalore is not a controlled substance. It is classified as an OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and antiplatelet agent. No prescription is needed to purchase it, no DEA scheduling applies, and there are no special dispensing restrictions.

Where Can You Find Vazalore?

Vazalore is sold at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, and online at Amazon. Due to supply inconsistencies, you may need to search across multiple stores. See our dedicated guide on how to find Vazalore in stock near you, or use medfinder to have pharmacies searched on your behalf.