Drug Atlas

Medicines / NSAIDs

Aspirin

OTCWHO Essential

Painkiller and blood thinner.

NSAID and antiplatelet agent (acetylsalicylic acid).

Generic name

Aspirin

Drug class

NSAIDs

ATC code

N02BA01

Pregnancy

Avoid in 3rd trimester

Prescription

Not required

Last updated

2026-01-15

Available forms

TabletChewable tabletEnteric-coated tablet

Uses

  • Pain
  • Fever
  • Heart attack prevention
  • Stroke prevention

How it works

Blocks pain chemicals and makes blood less sticky.

Medical: Irreversibly inhibits COX-1 and COX-2; low doses reduce platelet aggregation.

Common brand names

US

Bayer, Ecotrin

UK

Disprin

India

Ecosprin, Disprin

Typical dosage

adults300–600 mg every 4–6 hours for pain; 75–100 mg daily for heart protection.
childrenGenerally avoided in children under 16 due to Reye's syndrome risk.

Educational only. Never adjust dosage without medical guidance.

Side effects

Very common

—

Common

  • · Stomach upset
  • · Heartburn

Rare

  • · Ringing in ears

Serious

  • · Stomach bleeding
  • · Allergic reaction
  • · Reye's syndrome in children

Warnings

  • Do not give to children with viral illness
  • Take with food
  • Caution in asthma

Interactions

Medicine

Warfarin, Ibuprofen, Methotrexate

Alcohol

Increases bleeding risk

Where you usually see it

First aid kitsCardiology wardsEmergency kits

Timeline

  1. 1897

    Synthesized by Felix Hoffmann at Bayer.

  2. 1899

    Marketed as Aspirin.

  3. 1971

    Mechanism (COX inhibition) discovered by John Vane.

Fun facts

  • · Derived from willow bark, used for pain for thousands of years.
  • · Introduced by Bayer in 1899.

Conditions it treats

HeadacheFever

Related medicines

Ibuprofen

Pain relief medicine.

Paracetamol

Everyday pain and fever medicine.

Naproxen

Long-acting pain and inflammation medicine.

Compare

See how Aspirin stacks up next to another medicine.

Aspirin vs IbuprofenAspirin vs ParacetamolAspirin vs NaproxenAspirin vs Diclofenac

Frequently asked

Can children take aspirin?

Usually not under 16 due to risk of Reye's syndrome.

Why is low-dose aspirin used?

It reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes in some patients.

Educational use only.This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.