Painkiller / Blood Thinner (NSAID — Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug and Antiplatelet)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Acetylsalicylic acid (commonly known as Aspirin) is a painkiller and blood thinner that works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain, swelling, and fever, and by preventing blood cells from clumping together to form dangerous clots.
Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis to decrease pain, fever, and inflammation; irreversibly inhibits platelet cyclooxygenase, preventing thromboxane A2 production and reducing platelet aggregation to prevent thrombotic cardiovascular events.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist — no prescription needed.
Is Acetylsalicylic safe to take with another drug?
Check with multiple drugs →Explore this drug
For pain or fever: Take 1 to 2 tablets of 300 mg or 500 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed, but do not take more than 4,000 mg (4 g) in one day. For heart protection: Take one low-dose tablet (75 mg or 100 mg) once daily. Always swallow with a full glass of water and take with food or just after eating to protect your stomach.
If you are taking aspirin daily for your heart and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one — do not take two at once to catch up.
Buy only from reputable pharmacies — do not purchase aspirin from roadside sellers or open markets as fake or expired drugs are common. Do not use aspirin to treat every fever — paracetamol is safer for general fever especially in children. If you are taking low-dose aspirin daily for your heart, do not stop suddenly without talking to your doctor as this can increase your risk of a heart attack.
Avoid taking aspirin with ibuprofen or diclofenac (Voltaren/Cataflam) as combining these painkillers increases your risk of serious stomach bleeding. If you are on blood-thinning drugs like warfarin, aspirin makes bleeding much more likely — tell your doctor. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking aspirin as it greatly increases the chance of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Acetylsalicylic with your other drugs?
Aspirin is NOT safe during pregnancy, especially in the last three months, and should be avoided while breastfeeding unless your doctor specifically tells you to take it.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near a window. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from humidity. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Acetylsalicylic Acid?
Clinical tools built for Nigerian pharmacists — launching soon.