Last reviewed · How we verify
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins and thromboxane to decrease inflammation, pain, and platelet aggregation.
Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins and thromboxane to decrease inflammation, pain, and platelet aggregation. Used for Acute myocardial infarction prevention and secondary prevention, Ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack prevention, Mild to moderate pain and fever.
At a glance
| Generic name | Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Acetylsalicylic acid |
| Sponsor | Swedish Medical Center |
| Drug class | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID); antiplatelet agent |
| Target | Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1); Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular; Pain management; Rheumatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Aspirin acetylates serine residues on COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, permanently blocking their catalytic activity. This prevents the synthesis of prostaglandins (which mediate inflammation and pain) and thromboxane A2 (which promotes platelet clumping). At low doses, the antiplatelet effect predominates; at higher doses, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects are more prominent.
Approved indications
- Acute myocardial infarction prevention and secondary prevention
- Ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack prevention
- Mild to moderate pain and fever
- Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Colorectal cancer prevention (in select populations)
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration
- Dyspepsia
- Nausea
- Hemorrhagic stroke (at high doses)
- Allergic reactions (including bronchospasm in aspirin-sensitive individuals)
- Renal impairment (chronic use)
Key clinical trials
- Screening and Multiple Intervention on Lung Epidemics (PHASE2)
- Effect of Anticoagulant Therapy on Endometrial Receptivity and Pregnancy Outcomes in Infertility
- IRELAnD: Investigating the Role of Early Low-dose Aspirin in Diabetes (PHASE3)
- Aspirin in Preventing Colorectal Cancer in Patients With Colorectal Adenoma (PHASE2)
- The Impact of Factor Xa Inhibition on Thrombosis, Platelet Activation, and Endothelial Function in Peripheral Artery Disease (PHASE4)
- The Effect and Safety of Combined Anti-platelet Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Large Artery Atherosclerosis (PHASE4)
- Impact of First-trimester Preeclampsia Screening on Perinatal and Maternal Morbidity (RANSPRE) (NA)
- Short-Term Anticoagulation Versus Antiplatelet Therapy for Preventing Device Thrombosis Following Left Atrial Appendage Closure (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |