Aspirin (generic name: acetylsalicylic acid, ASA; trade names include: Ecosporin) is a salicylate drug, often used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, as an antipyretic to reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory medication.

Aspirin is one of the most extensively studied drugs in history with a 100-year track record of safety and efficacy.

Aspirin is effective in a multitude of uses, as the active ingredient in Aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid works by inhibiting several different chemical processes within the body, including the natural physiological processes causing pain and inflammation.

Aspirin is approved for a wide variety of uses, including:

Relieving pain and inflammation.

Reducing the risk of death due to a heart attack if taken as soon as a heart attack is suspected. Aspirin taken during a suspected heart attack can also lessen the damaging effects of the heart attack.

Prevention of heart attacks in people who have suffered either a previous heart attack or who suffer from unstable angina. Aspirin can prevent first heart attack and stroke in individuals with angina.

The FDA recommends regular Aspirin use to prevent a stroke in people who have suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke). Aspirin also helps prevent a second or recurrent stroke and, as with heart attacks, lessens the damaging effects of a stroke that does occur. Aspirin helps prevent the aggregation of platelets or blood clotting.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Aspirin exactly as directed.

Take Aspirin by mouth with or without food. It is best to take Aspirin with a full glass of water to ease swallowing and facilitate absorption of Aspirin.

Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Aspirin.

If you miss a dose of Aspirin and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Keep Aspirin at room temperature away from excess heat and moisture.

Precautions

Before taking Aspirin, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have ulcers, anemia, bleeding problems, or kidney or liver disease;
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or you are breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: acetylsalicylic acid.