An analgesic anti-inflammatory drug (trade names Bayer and Empirin) usually taken in tablet form; also used as an antipyretic; SYN. acetylsalicylic acid, Bayer, Empirin.
drug (acetylsalicylic acid) removing pain and fever.
Acetylsalicylic acid, a popular pain-relieving drug (analgesic) developed in the late 19th century as a household remedy for aches and pains. It relieves pain and reduces inflammation and fever. It is derived from the white willow tree Salix alba.
Aspirin was first refined from salicylic acid by German chemist Felix Hoffman, and marketed 1899. Although salicylic acid occurs naturally in willow bark (and has been used for pain relief since 1763) the acetyl derivative is less bitter and less likely to cause vomiting.
Aspirin may cause stomach bleeding, kidney damage, and hearing defects. It is no longer considered suitable for children under 12 because of a suspected link with a rare disease, Reye's syndrome. However, recent medical research suggests that an aspirin a day may be of value in preventing heart attack (myocardial infarction) and thrombosis.