Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)
Compared with: Blackmores Conceive Well Gold 28 Tablets + 28 Capsules
Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) is an over‑the‑counter analgesic, antipyretic, and antiplatelet agent. At low doses (75–100 mg daily), it irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke; at higher doses (300–600 mg), it relieves pain and fever by blocking prostaglandin synthesis.
Acetylsalicylic Acid – 81 mg (“low‑dose”), 325 mg, 500 mg, 650 mg tablets

Other Popular and Common Names
Acetylsalicylate
Disprin® (brand)
Bayer® Aspirin
Ecotrin® (enteric‑coated)
Antiplatelet: Irreversibly acetylates cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) in platelets, preventing thromboxane A₂ formation and platelet aggregation for the lifespan of the platelet (~7–10 days).

Analgesic/Antipyretic: Reversibly inhibits COX‑1 and COX‑2 in the central and peripheral tissues, reducing prostaglandin synthesis to relieve pain and fever.
Cardiovascular Prevention

Primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in high‑risk patients

Secondary prevention of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and transient ischemic attack

Analgesia & Antipyresis

Mild to moderate pain (headache, musculoskeletal pain, menstrual cramps)

Fever reduction
Rheumatic fever prophylaxis
Temporary relief of rheumatic and arthritic pain
Indication Adult Dose Frequency
Cardiovascular prevention (low‑dose) 75–100 mg once daily With food; preferably in the evening
Analgesia/Antipyresis 325–650 mg every 4–6 hours Maximum 4 g per 24 hours
Rheumatic/Arthritic pain 3–4 g per day divided every 4–6 h Under medical supervision

Enteric‑Coated: Swallow whole; do not crush or chew.

Immediate‑Release: Can be chewed for faster onset.

Missed Dose: Skip if near next scheduled dose; do not double.
Formulation: Tablet (immediate‑ or enteric‑coated), chewable tablet, suppository

Strengths: 81 mg, 325 mg, 500 mg, 650 mg

Route: Oral; rectal for suppository

Availability: OTC for analgesic/antipyretic doses; prescription for antiplatelet therapy in some regions

Safety Information
Pregnancy

First and second trimesters: Generally safe in low doses under medical guidance

Third trimester: Avoid after 32 weeks due to risk of premature ductus arteriosus closure and bleeding

Breastfeeding: Use with caution; minimal amounts excreted in milk

Children: Avoid in children and adolescents with febrile illness (risk of Reye’s syndrome)

Elderly: Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding; use lowest effective dose
Dyspepsia, heartburn

Gastric irritation

Tinnitus (with high doses)

Serious

Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration

Hemorrhagic stroke (rare)

Hypersensitivity reactions (asthma, angioedema, anaphylaxis)

Renal impairment (especially in dehydration)
Bleeding Risk: Contraindicated in active peptic ulcer, bleeding disorders, or before major surgery.

Asthma: May precipitate bronchospasm in aspirin‑sensitive asthma.

Renal: Use with caution in renal impairment; maintain hydration.

Alcohol: Concomitant use increases GI bleeding risk.

Reye’s Syndrome: Do not use in children/adolescents with viral infections.
Therapeutic Class: Analgesic, Antipyretic, Antiplatelet

Pharmacologic Class: Salicylate (Nonsteroidal Anti‑inflammatory)

Legal Category: OTC (analgesic doses); Prescription (antiplatelet doses)
Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin): Additive bleeding risk—monitor INR/PT.

NSAIDs: Increased GI toxicity; concurrent use reduces antiplatelet effect if taken before aspirin.

SSRIs/SNRIs: Elevated bleeding risk due to platelet serotonin uptake inhibition.

Corticosteroids: Increased GI ulceration risk.

Methotrexate: Reduced renal clearance of methotrexate; monitor for toxicity.

ACE Inhibitors/ARBs: May reduce antihypertensive efficacy.
CAST Trial: Demonstrates reduced recurrent stroke with low‑dose aspirin (75 mg daily) in secondary prevention.

Antithrombotic Trialists’ Collaboration: Confirms reduction in serious vascular events by ~25 % with 75–150 mg aspirin daily in high‑risk patients.

FAQs – Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)
Q1. Can I take aspirin every day for heart protection?
A: Only under physician guidance. Low‑dose aspirin (75–100 mg) daily reduces cardiovascular risk but carries bleeding risk.

Q2. Can I use aspirin for a headache?
A: Yes. A single 325–650 mg dose relieves mild to moderate pain. Avoid frequent use to reduce GI side effects.

Q3. Is enteric‑coated aspirin better?
A: It may reduce gastric irritation but does not eliminate bleeding risk and may delay absorption.

Q4. What if I miss my daily low‑dose aspirin?
A: Take as soon as remembered unless it’s within 12 hours of your next dose. Do not double.

Q5. Can aspirin cause ulcers?
A: Yes, especially with high or prolonged dosing. Use the lowest effective dose and take with food.

Q6. Can I take other painkillers with aspirin?
A: Avoid other NSAIDs; consider acetaminophen instead, which does not affect platelets.

Q7. Is aspirin safe in children?
A: No. Avoid in children/adolescents with viral symptoms to prevent Reye’s syndrome.
Aspirin, Acetylsalicylic Acid, Low‑Dose Aspirin, Antiplatelet Therapy, Pain Relief, Fever Reducer, Cardiovascular Prevention, EZ Chemist, OTC Analgesic, Aspirin Dosage Guide