Description
Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is somewhat selective in inhibiting COX-1 over COX-2. Aspirin exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, chemopreventive, cardioprotective, and anticoagulant/antithrombotic activities. Aspirin is clinically used to treat inflammation, fever, pain, and other disorders. Long-term use of aspirin is associated with decreased risk of colorectal and other cancers as well as cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction. Aspirin also decreases levels of thromboxane A2 (TxA2), inhibiting platelet aggregation and prolonging bleeding time.
References
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