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Plain aspirin
Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins and thromboxane to decrease inflammation, pain, and blood clotting.
Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins and thromboxane to decrease inflammation, pain, and blood clotting. Used for Acute myocardial infarction prevention and secondary prevention, Ischemic stroke prevention, Transient ischemic attack (TIA) prevention.
At a glance
| Generic name | Plain aspirin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Low dose of plain aspirin |
| Sponsor | Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland |
| 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 prevents the synthesis of prostaglandins (which mediate inflammation and pain) and thromboxane A2 (which promotes platelet aggregation). The antiplatelet effect is particularly important at low doses, where COX-1 inhibition in platelets predominates, making aspirin useful for cardiovascular protection.
Approved indications
- Acute myocardial infarction prevention and secondary prevention
- Ischemic stroke prevention
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA) prevention
- Mild to moderate pain
- Fever
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration
- Dyspepsia
- Nausea
- Hemorrhage (minor)
- Allergic reactions (in sensitive individuals)
- Reye syndrome (in children with viral illness)
Key clinical trials
- Coated or Chewable Aspirin and a Hybrid Strategy to Mitigate Adverse Effects of Air Pollution in Stable Atherosclerotic Disease (NA)
- Preoperative Aspirin and Benzydamine Hydrochloride Gargles on Severity and Duration of Post-Operative Sore Throat (PHASE4)
- Safety and Efficacy of Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty for the Treatment of Chronic Total Occlusions (NA)
- An Investigation Into The Impact Of Enteric Coated Of Aspirin In Patients With Newly Diagnosed Ischemic Stroke. (PHASE4)
- Helicobacter Pylori and the Long-term Risk of Peptic Ulcer Bleeding
- Pharmacokinetic Study Comparing Aspirin and Aspirin Granules (PHASE1)
- Enteric Coating as a Factor in Aspirin Resistance
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:
- Plain aspirin CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Plain aspirin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland portfolio CI