Last reviewed · How we verify
Aspirin tablets
Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins and thromboxane to provide anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiplatelet effects.
Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins and thromboxane to provide anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiplatelet effects. Used for Acute myocardial infarction (secondary prevention), Ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (secondary prevention), Stable and unstable angina.
At a glance
| Generic name | Aspirin tablets |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ASA |
| Sponsor | PLx Pharma |
| 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; Inflammation |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Aspirin acetylates serine residues on COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, permanently blocking their catalytic activity. This reduces synthesis of prostaglandins (which mediate inflammation and pain) and thromboxane A2 (which promotes platelet aggregation). The antiplatelet effect is particularly durable because aspirin irreversibly modifies platelet COX-1, and platelets cannot synthesize new enzyme.
Approved indications
- Acute myocardial infarction (secondary prevention)
- Ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (secondary prevention)
- Stable and unstable angina
- Mild to moderate pain
- Fever
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration
- Dyspepsia
- Nausea
- Hemorrhage (minor)
- Allergic reactions (including bronchospasm in aspirin-sensitive patients)
Key clinical trials
- The Impact of Factor Xa Inhibition on Thrombosis, Platelet Activation, and Endothelial Function in Peripheral Artery Disease (PHASE4)
- Aspirin Continuation or Interruption in Patients at Moderate Risk for Cardiovascular Events Undergoing Colonoscopy and/or Polypectomy (PHASE3)
- Rivaroxaban vs Warfarin in Patients With Mechanical Heart Valves (PHASE3)
- Adjuvant Low Dose Aspirin in Colorectal Cancer (PHASE3)
- A Trial of Omeprazole and Low Dose Aspirin to Identify Colorectal Biomarkers of Preventive Efficacy (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Effectiveness of the Eradication of Helicobacter Pylori and an Inhibitor of Pump With Proton Versus Control (PHASE4)
- Optimal Dosing For Low-Dose Aspirin Chemoprophylaxis For VTE Following Total Joint Arthroplasty (PHASE2)
- COLchicine and Non-enteric Coated Aspirin in the Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes (PHASE3)
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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Aspirin tablets CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Aspirin tablets updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- PLx Pharma portfolio CI