Painkiller / Anti-inflammatory / Blood thinner (NSAID and Antiplatelet)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Aspirin is a painkiller and blood thinner that works by blocking chemicals in your body that cause pain, swelling, and fever, and also by preventing blood cells from sticking together to form clots.
Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin production to decrease pain, fever, and inflammation; irreversibly inhibits platelet cyclooxygenase-1, preventing thromboxane A2 synthesis and platelet aggregation for antiplatelet effects.
Headache, body pain, fever, joint pain, toothache, muscle pain, prevention of heart attack and stroke in people at risk, mild arthritis pain
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist: no prescription needed.
Explore this drug
If you are taking aspirin regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for it.
Always buy from a licensed pharmacy, as aspirin from roadside sellers or open markets may be expired or stored badly in the heat. Do not use aspirin to treat fever in children, even if someone recommends it, as it is dangerous for them. If you are taking low-dose aspirin for your heart, do not stop it suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Avoid taking aspirin with ibuprofen (Brufen) or diclofenac (Voltaren/Cataflam) at the same time as this greatly increases the risk of stomach bleeding. If you are on blood-thinning drugs like warfarin, aspirin can cause dangerous bleeding, so inform your doctor. Drinking alcohol while taking aspirin increases your chance of stomach bleeding, so avoid it.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Aspirin 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 prescribes it.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, as Nigerian weather can damage this drug quickly. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from humidity. Always keep away from children. If the tablets smell like vinegar, they have gone bad, so throw them away.
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.