Bufferin A (バファリンA): ingredients, dose and warnings in English
Bufferin A (バファリンA) is sold in Japan as a designated class 2 medicine: the box reads 第②類医薬品. In 2 tablets: Aspirin 660 mg, Synthetic Hydrotalcite 200 mg. The package insert sets the adult dose at 2 tablets, up to 2 times a day, for ages 15 and over.
第②類医薬品 · Designated class 2
What is in Bufferin A
The package insert lists 2 active ingredients in 2 tablets. The middle column is how each one is written on the Japanese box.
| Ingredient | Name on the box | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin | アスピリン | 660 mg |
| Synthetic Hydrotalcite | 合成ヒドロタルサイト(ダイバッファーHT) | 200 mg |
Additives, as written on the package insert (Japanese)
トウモロコシデンプン,ステアリン酸マグネシウム,ヒプロメロース(ヒドロキシプロピルメチルセルロース),酸化チタン,マクロゴール,青色1号
The maker publishes an English package insert for BUFFERIN A: Lion: BUFFERIN A (English package insert). This page translates the current Japanese package insert on PMDA.
Source: PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) — バファリンA: package insert (添付文書) · Lion — BUFFERIN A: English package insert
What the package insert lists it for
The approved wording of the Japanese package insert, translated. It is what the product is sold for, not advice on what to take.
- (1) Relief of headache, menstrual pain (period pain), joint pain, neuralgia, lower back pain, muscle pain, pain from stiff shoulders, throat pain, toothache, pain after tooth extraction, pain from bruises, pain from sprains, pain from fractures, pain from injuries and earache
- (2) Reducing fever when you have chills/fever
The dose, as written on the package insert
Translated line by line from the directions and dosage (用法・用量) section.
- Aspirin per dose
- 660 mg
- Adult dose
- 2 tablets
- Doses a day
- Up to 2
- Age
- 15 and over
- As far as possible, avoid taking it on an empty stomach. Take doses at least 6 hours apart.
- Take the following amount with water or lukewarm water.
| Age | Single dose | Doses a day |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (15 and over) | 2 tablets | Up to 2 times |
| Under 15 | Do not take |
Notes on the directions
- (1) Follow the directions and dosage exactly.
- (2) How to take out the tablets: Press the raised part of the PTP sheet containing the tablet firmly with your fingertip to break the aluminium foil on the back, then remove the tablet and take it (accidentally swallowing it as it is can lead to unexpected accidents, such as it piercing the mucous membrane of the oesophagus).
Do not
The package insert opens with what you must not do.
(If you do not follow these, your current symptoms may get worse, and side effects or accidents become more likely)
1. Do not take it if you are one of the following people
- (1) People who have had allergic symptoms caused by this medicine or its ingredients.
- (2) People who have developed asthma after taking this medicine, or other pain and fever medicines or cold medicines.
- (3) Children under 15.
- (4) Women within 12 weeks of their expected date of delivery.
2. Do not take any of the following medicines while taking this medicine
- Other pain and fever medicines, cold medicines, sedatives
3. Do not drink alcohol before or after taking it
4. Do not take it continuously for a long time
Ask a doctor, pharmacist or registered salesperson
The package insert says to ask for advice in these cases.
1. If you are one of the following people, ask a doctor, dentist, pharmacist or registered salesperson for advice before taking it
- (1) People who are receiving treatment from a doctor or dentist.
- (2) Women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant.
- (3) Women who are breastfeeding.
- (4) Older people.
- (5) People who have had allergic symptoms caused by medicines etc.
- (6) People who have been diagnosed with the following.
- Heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, gastric/duodenal ulcer
2. If the following symptoms appear after taking it, they may be side effects, so stop taking it immediately and ask a doctor, pharmacist or registered salesperson for advice, taking this leaflet with you
Possible side effects, by part of the body
- Skin
- rash/redness, itching, bruising
- Digestive system
- nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, heartburn, heavy stomach, gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloody stools
- Nervous system
- dizziness
- Other
- nosebleeds, bleeding gums, bleeding that is hard to stop, bleeding, fever, sore throat, back pain, excessive drop in body temperature
- In rare cases the following serious symptoms may occur. If they do, see a doctor immediately.
Rare but serious symptoms: name and signs
- Shock (anaphylaxis)
- right after taking it, itchy skin, hives, hoarseness, sneezing, itchy throat, difficulty breathing, palpitations, clouding of consciousness, etc. appear.
- Oculomucocutaneous syndrome (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
- high fever, bloodshot eyes, eye discharge, sores on the lips, sore throat, widespread rash/redness on the skin, etc. continue or rapidly get worse.
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- high fever, bloodshot eyes, eye discharge, sores on the lips, sore throat, widespread rash/redness on the skin, etc. continue or rapidly get worse.
- Acute coronary syndrome associated with an allergic reaction
- chest pain that feels like being squeezed, difficulty breathing, a feeling of strong pressure on the chest, jaw pain, left arm pain, chills, unsteadiness, sweating, fever, reduced consciousness, swelling around the lips, itching, hives, rash, itchy throat, palpitations, etc. appear.
- Liver dysfunction
- fever, itching, rash, jaundice (the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow), brown urine, tiredness all over the body, loss of appetite, etc. appear.
- Asthma
- wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing, difficulty breathing, etc. appear.
- Aplastic anaemia
- bruises, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, fever, the skin and mucous membranes looking pale, a feeling of fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, feeling unwell and light-headed, blood in the urine, etc. appear.
3. If your symptoms do not improve after taking it 5 to 6 times, stop taking it and ask a doctor, dentist, pharmacist or registered salesperson for advice, taking this leaflet with you
Who can sell it in Japan
The Bufferin A box carries the class 第②類医薬品, which decides who may sell it.
- On the box
- 第②類医薬品 (Designated class 2). The box reads 第2類医薬品 with the 2 in a square, or 第②類医薬品.
- Who can sell it
- A pharmacist or a registered salesperson may sell it.
Source: e-Gov law search (Digital Agency, Japan) — Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (医薬品医療機器等法), current text · e-Gov law search (Digital Agency, Japan) — Enforcement Regulations of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (施行規則), current text · Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — Designated class 2 medicines (指定第２類医薬品について)
Taking it home
Frequently asked questions
How much Aspirin is in Bufferin A?
660 mg in a dose of 2 tablets, according to the Japanese package insert.
How much Bufferin A can an adult take in a day?
The package insert sets the adult dose at 2 tablets, up to 2 times a day. Doses are at least 6 hours apart.
Can children take Bufferin A?
No. The package insert says it is not to be taken under 15.
Do I need a pharmacist to buy Bufferin A?
Bufferin A is a designated class 2 medicine (第②類医薬品). A pharmacist or a registered salesperson may sell it.
What is Bufferin A called in Japanese?
バファリンA. The Bufferin A box also carries the class 第②類医薬品.
Related items
Package insert in Japanese: PMDA
Sources for this page
- PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) バファリンA: package insert (添付文書)checked October 3, 2026
- Lion BUFFERIN A: English package insertchecked October 3, 2026
- e-Gov law search (Digital Agency, Japan) Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (医薬品医療機器等法), current textchecked October 3, 2026
- e-Gov law search (Digital Agency, Japan) Enforcement Regulations of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (施行規則), current textchecked October 3, 2026
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Designated class 2 medicines (指定第２類医薬品について)checked October 3, 2026
Compiled by Japan Japan !! · Updated October 3, 2026