What type of drug is ASA, commonly known as aspirin?

Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is primarily classified as an antiplatelet medication. This means it works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, thereby reducing the risk of clot formation in blood vessels. Aspirin achieves this effect by irreversibly inhibiting cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), which in turn decreases the production of thromboxane A2, a substance that promotes platelet activation and vasoconstriction.

The antiplatelet property of aspirin is particularly significant in the prevention of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes in patients at risk, which highlights its vital role in managing patients with a history of these conditions.

While aspirin does possess analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties, its primary therapeutic use in many clinical settings is related to its ability to prevent thrombus formation. This distinguishes it from analgesics and anticoagulants, which function through different mechanisms, with anticoagulants specifically acting to inhibit various components of the coagulation cascade rather than just affecting platelets.