Overview:
Aspirin is a well-known medicine used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and calm inflammation. It’s often taken for headaches, toothache, muscle pain, or arthritis. In lower doses, doctors and pharmacists also recommend it to help thin the blood and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
How It Works:
Aspirin works by blocking substances in your body called prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain, swelling, and fever. It also stops platelets (the blood cells that help with clotting) from sticking together. This is why low-dose aspirin helps prevent blood clots in people with heart or circulation problems.
Mode of Action:
When you take aspirin, it permanently changes certain enzymes in your body that make prostaglandins and clotting factors. This means it keeps blood thinner for several days, even after one tablet. That’s why your doctor may ask you to stop taking aspirin before surgery — to allow your blood to clot normally again.
Common Side Effects:
- Mild stomach upset or indigestion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heartburn
- Slightly longer bleeding time or easier bruising
Serious Side Effects:
- Stomach ulcers or bleeding (especially if taken on an empty stomach or with alcohol)
- Allergic reaction (rash, swelling, or asthma flare-up)
- Severe bleeding (rare but serious)
- Ringing in the ears after high doses
- Should never be given to children under 16 due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but dangerous illness
