Aspirin contains Acetylsalicylic Acid or simply ASA. There is no prescription required for Aspirin which was the first non-steroidal Aspirin is used to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain from conditions such as muscle aches, toothaches, common cold, and headaches. It may also be used to reduce pain and swelling in conditions such as arthritis. Acetylsalicylic Acid, the active ingredient in Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking a certain natural substance in your body to reduce pain and swelling. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Your doctor may recommend that you take a low dose of Aspirin to prevent blood clots; this may reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. Your doctor may instruct you to take Aspirin in low doses as a "blood thinner" to prevent blood clots if you have recently had surgery on clogged arteries (such as bypass surgery, carotid endarterectomy, coronary stent).

Enteric Coated Aspirin is coated with a barrier that allows the medication to travel through the stomach to the small intestine before the drug is released, thus reducing stomach upset. Enteric Coated Aspirin should be swallowed whole.