INN monograph
Aspirin, Acetylsalicylic acid
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug [EPC], Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor [EPC] · POM
Verified · Updated 01 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; FDA drug label via OpenFDA/DailyMed; Professional class pharmacology (NSAID / analgesic–anti-inflammatory)
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- Active peptic ulcer / GI bleeding.
- Severe heart failure.
- NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (aspirin-sensitive asthma) for non-selective agents.
- Third trimester pregnancy (ductus arteriosus, oligohydramnios — class warning).
- Severe renal impairment for many agents.
- Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs.
Precautions
- Warnings Reye's syndrome : Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product.
- When using this product, if changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting occur, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
- Allergy alert : Aspirin may cause a severe allergic reaction, which may include: hives facial swelling shock asthma (wheezing) Stomach bleeding warning: This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding.
- The chance is higher if you: are age 60 or older have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs [aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others] have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product take more or for a longer time than directed Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin or any other pain reliever/fever reducer. if you have ever had an allergic reaction to his product or any of its ingredients Ask a doctor before use if stomach bleeding warning applies to you you have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease you are taking a diuretic you have asthma Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking a prescription drug for gout diabetes arthritis Stop use and ask a doctor if an allergic reaction occurs.
- Seek medical help right away. you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding: feel faint vomit blood have bloody or black stool have stomach pain that does not get better pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days redness or swelling is present ringing in the ears or loss of hearing occurs new symptoms occur These could be signs of a serious condition If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
- It is especially important not to use aspirin during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
Directions drink a full glass of water with each dose adults and children 12 years and over: take 4 to 8 tablets every 4 hours not to exceed 48 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor children under 12 years: consult a doctor
Paediatric
See label paediatric section if present; otherwise use paediatric formulary — do not extrapolate adult doses.
Renal
Haemodynamically mediated AKI risk — high alert in volume depletion and renin-angiotensin blockade.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic
Rare idiosyncratic hepatitis; more concern with prolonged high doses/diclofenac in some datasets.
Safety
Drug interactions
- It should not be used in children below 12 years unless it is indicated for a special condition.
- It causes Reyes syndrome with subsequent encephalopathy and severe hepatic injury in this age group.
Safety
Adverse effects
- Dyspepsia, nausea, fluid retention, raised BP.
- Serious: peptic ulcer/bleed, AKI, heart failure exacerbation, severe skin reactions, bronchospasm, hepatitis (rare).
Use
Indications
- Uses for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains or as recommended by your doctor.
- Because of its delayed action, this product will not provide fast relief of headaches or other symptoms needing immediate relief. ask your doctor about other uses for safety coated 81 mg aspirin
Pharmacology
Mode of action
It acetylates prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase and irreversibly inhibits its cyclo-oxygenase [COX] activity.
Full mechanism text
It acetylates prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase and irreversibly inhibits its cyclo-oxygenase [COX] activity. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to PGH2. It has two isoforms: COX-1 and COX-2. Acetylation of platelet cyclo-oxygenase prevents syn-thesis of thromboxane A2 [a potent vasoconstrictor and inducer of platelet aggregation].
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | 30–60 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4–12 hours (agent-dependent) |
| Route | ORAL / TOPICAL / RECTAL / IM (agent-dependent) |
| Elimination | of metabolites. Half-lives vary widely (ibuprofen short; naproxen longer; oxicams long). |
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acemol | Laboratory & Allied Ltd. | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Aspegic | Sanofi Aventis | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Aspirin, Allied | Laboratory & Allied Ltd. | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Aspirin, by Metro | Distributed by Metro Pharmaceuticals Limited | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Aspirin, by Regal | Regal Pharmaceuticals | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Aspirin, Sphinx | Sphinx Pharmaceuticals Ltd | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Bayer Aspirin cardio | Bayer Schering Pharma | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Bayer Aspirin Plus C | Bayer Schering Pharma | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Dawasprin | Dawa Limited | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Totoprin | Laboratory & Allied Ltd. | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Viprin | Laboratory & Allied Ltd. | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Avoid in third trimester. Earlier pregnancy: use only if needed; prefer paracetamol first-line.
Lactation
Short-course ibuprofen generally acceptable; avoid chronic high-dose/long half-life agents when possible.
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Food
- Food
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; FDA drug label via OpenFDA/DailyMed; Professional class pharmacology (NSAID / analgesic–anti-inflammatory)
Last reviewed: 01 Aug 2026
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.