Aspirin is an antiplatelet drug that belongs to the category of medicines known as platelet aggregation inhibitors. It was approved on 10 February 1939  to prevent pain, fever, inflammation and cardiovascular events.

Aspirin Tablet works by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), specifically COX-1, which is involved in the production of thromboxane A2. Thromboxane A2 promotes platelet aggregation, which can lead to the formation of blood clots. By inhibiting thromboxane A2 production, it helps to prevent excessive platelet aggregation and reduces the risk of blood clot formation

It is an orally available prescription drug. Your doctor will decide the duration and dose of the drug based on the disease condition and other factors. Always take an Aspirin Tablet as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet with or without food. Do not open, break, chew, or crush the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with water.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Aspirin are diarrhea, nausea, ringing in your ears, pain or discomfort in your stomach, liver problems with symptoms may include whites of the eyes (jaundice) or yellowing of the skin, dark yellow urine, and fatigue. Some serious side effects also include vomiting with blood, blood in your urine, bruising with purple spots, black stools, decreased red blood cell counts, kidney stones (which can cause severe stomach or back pains). If you experience any allergic or unusual reactions after taking this medicine, report to your doctor immediately.

This drug should not be given to teenagers and children who have or are recovering from viral infections, particularly chickenpox or influenza. In these cases, it has been associated with developing Reye's syndrome, a serious condition affecting the liver and brain. This medicine is primarily metabolized in the liver and eliminated through the kidneys. Individuals with severe liver or kidney disease may have impaired clearance of this drug and an increased risk of toxicity. Therefore, caution is advised, and the dosage may need to be adjusted. Aspirin Tablet can increase the risk of bleeding. Hence, it is contraindicated in individuals with active bleeding conditions, such as bleeding ulcers, bleeding disorders, or recent hemorrhagic strokes.

Regarding fertility, this drug may temporarily affect fertility in women. But, the effect is generally reversible upon discontinuation of the medication. If you have concerns regarding the effect of this drug on fertility, it is recommended to discuss them with your healthcare professional. Patients are also advised to report any skin or hypersensitivity reactions to their healthcare provider and to seek medical emergency immediately if they experience any symptoms of a severe reaction. This drug may trigger asthma or bronchospasm in individuals who are sensitive to it. This condition is known as aspirin-induced asthma. It mainly occurs in patients with a history of asthma or nasal polyps. If you have any respiratory problems, immediately inform your doctor before taking the Aspirin Tablet. They will evaluate your specific condition and determine if this drug is safe or an alternative medication should be considered

Avoid exceeding the recommended dose or frequency of use unless your doctor advises. Before starting Aspirin Tablet or any medication, inform your healthcare professional about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or medications you are taking for other issues. This detail will help them to decide if this tablet suits them and if any precautions or adjustments are necessary. Take this tablet after consulting your healthcare professional if you feel better. This tablet should be stored in a safe place, out of the reach of children. Accidental ingestion of this drug by children can be harmful.

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3. Package leaflet: Information for the user - Aspirin. www.hpra.ie. [Revised on Dec 2019], Available at: https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/697b07a9-17b2-42b9-bdaa-20bc441264e4.pdf (Accessed on 23 May 2023).
4. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics,Modulation of Cardiovascular function, 12th edition, 2011, 754.
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The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.