Aspirin

Aspirin – Full Introduction

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is one of the oldest and most widely used medications. It belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) group and has analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatelet properties. Aspirin is commonly used for pain, fever, inflammation, and prevention of cardiovascular events.

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Drug Class

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

• Antiplatelet agent (at low doses)

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Mechanism of Action

Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, leading to:

• Decreased synthesis of prostaglandins → reduced pain, fever, and inflammation

• Decreased thromboxane A₂ production in platelets → inhibition of platelet aggregation

Because platelet COX inhibition is irreversible, the antiplatelet effect lasts for the life of the platelet (7–10 days).

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Therapeutic Uses

• Mild to moderate pain (headache, toothache, musculoskeletal pain)

• Fever

• Inflammatory conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis)

• Prevention of myocardial infarction and stroke (low-dose aspirin)

• Acute coronary syndromes

• Post-angioplasty or stent placement

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Benefits

• Effective analgesic and antipyretic

• Strong anti-inflammatory action

• Proven cardioprotective effect at low doses

• Inexpensive and widely available

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Common Side Effects

• Gastric irritation

• Nausea and vomiting

• Heartburn

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Serious but Rare Side Effects

• Peptic ulcer disease and GI bleeding

• Hemorrhage

• Hypersensitivity reactions (asthma, rash)

• Reye’s syndrome in children with viral infections

• Tinnitus (salicylism at high doses)

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Contraindications & Precautions

• Active peptic ulcer disease

• Bleeding disorders

• Aspirin-induced asthma

• Children and adolescents with viral infections

• Severe renal or hepatic impairment

• Use cautiously in elderly patients

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Dosage & Administration

• Analgesic/antipyretic: 300–600 mg every 4–6 hours

• Anti-inflammatory: Higher divided doses as prescribed

• Antiplatelet (cardioprotection): 75–150 mg once daily

• Take after food to reduce gastric irritation

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Conclusion

Aspirin is a versatile and effective medication with unique irreversible antiplatelet action, making it essential in cardiovascular disease prevention. However, due to its gastrointestinal and bleeding risks, careful patient selection and dosing are crucial.