Drug profile
Aspirin
Irreversible COX-1/COX-2 inhibitor; antiplatelet at low doses via thromboxane A2 suppression.
Why this drug?
Low-dose aspirin is a cornerstone of secondary cardiovascular prevention with extensive RCT evidence (Antithrombotic Trialists' Collaboration) supporting antiplatelet therapy in high-risk patients.
Known risks
- GI bleeding and ulceration
- Hemorrhagic stroke (low absolute risk)
- Reye syndrome in children
- Allergy (aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease)
Evidence behind this
Reduced major vascular events in secondary prevention; primary prevention benefit-risk varies by age.
Mechanism
Irreversible COX-1 inhibition reduces thromboxane A2-mediated platelet aggregation.
Authoritative sources
AI-generated summary
Low-dose aspirin has Level 1 evidence for secondary cardiovascular prevention. Primary prevention guidelines have narrowed due to bleeding risk in lower-risk populations (ASPREE, ARRIVE trials).
- Antithrombotic Trialists' Collaboration, Lancet 2002
This summary is AI-assisted and human-reviewed. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult authoritative sources and qualified professionals.