aspirin is a widely used drug. what kind of medicine is it
Aspirin Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is a medication used to treat pain, fever, or inflammation.[3] Specific inflammatory conditions in which aspirin is used include Kawasaki disease, pericarditis, and rheumatic fever.[3] Aspirin given shortly after a heart attack decreases the risk of death.[3] Aspirin is also used long-term to help prevent heart attacks, ischaemic strokes, and blood clots, in people at high risk.[3] Aspirin may also decrease the risk of certain types of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer.[4] For pain or fever, effects typically begin within 30 minutes.[3] Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and works similar to other NSAIDs but also suppresses the normal functioning of platelets.[3]