Drug reference
acetylsalicylic acid
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Musculoskeletal (NSAIDs)
Mechanism of action
Aspirin is the prototype of the NSAIDs, it is a weak organic acid that is unique (only) NSAIDs in irreversibly inactivating cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), other NSAIDs (including other salicylates), are all reversible inhibitors of cyclooxygenase.
Common side effects
- Angioedema
- GI pain, ulceration, bleeding
- Bronchospasm
- Nausea
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to aspirin or NSAIDs; aspirin-associated hypersensitivity reactions include aspirin-induced urticaria (HLA-DRB1*1302-DQB1*0609 haplotype), aspirin-intolerant asthma (HLA-DPB1*0301)
- Allergy to tartrazine dye
- Bleeding GI ulcers, hemolytic anemia from pyruvate kinase (PK) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, hemophilia, hemorrhagic diathesis, hemorrhoids, lactating mother, nasal polyps associated with asthma, sarcoidosis, thrombocytopenia, ulcerative colitis
Known interactions (5)
- acetylsalicylic acid + ketorolac Contraindicated
- acetylsalicylic acid + dichlorphenamide Major
- acetylsalicylic acid + Clozapine Moderate
- acetylsalicylic acid + mifepristone Moderate
- acetylsalicylic acid + Omega-3-acid ethyl esters Moderate
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is acetylsalicylic acid?
acetylsalicylic acid belongs to: Musculoskeletal.
How does acetylsalicylic acid work?
Aspirin is the prototype of the NSAIDs, it is a weak organic acid that is unique (only) NSAIDs in irreversibly inactivating cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), other NSAIDs (including other salicylates), are all reversible inhibitors of cyclooxygenase.
What are the common side effects of acetylsalicylic acid?
Angioedema, GI pain, ulceration, bleeding, Bronchospasm, Nausea
Which drugs interact with acetylsalicylic acid?
ketorolac, dichlorphenamide, Clozapine, mifepristone, Omega-3-acid ethyl esters
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