Aspirin
Aspirin
- Last updated November 23, 2025
✅ Objectives
By the end of these revision notes, you should be able to:
- Understand the mechanism of action of aspirin
- Understand the clinical uses of aspirin
- Apply dental guidelines appropriately to manage patients on aspirin
What is aspirin?
Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, is an incredibly commonly used drug. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesia, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet properties.
Understanding aspirin is crucial in dentistry due to the antiplatelet properties in relation to bleeding risk during dental procedures.
Mechanism of Action
Aspirin irreversible inhibits the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2).
COX-1 inhibition
This blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H2. This reduces:
- Prostaglandins (reduces inflammation and pain)
- Thromboxane A2 (reduces platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction)
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