What Are the Main Ingredients in Aspirin?
The pain reliever and fever reducer aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is the active ingredient in aspirin tablets, as confirmed by Drugs.com. Inactive ingredients may include hypromellose, powdered cellulose, corn starch and triacetin.
Other possible inactive ingredients in aspirin tablets include polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl glycol, talc, titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide, according to Drugs.com. Tablets may also include croscarmellose dioxide, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate and water. The active ingredient aspirin may temporarily relieve menstrual pan, minor arthritis pain, headache, toothache and muscle pain. Aspirin may cause an allergic reaction that may include facial swelling, hives, wheezing and shock, and it may cause stomach bleeding when combined with alcohol. Children and teenagers should avoid aspirin due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious complication associated with aspirin use.
Individuals should speak with a doctor before using aspirin if they have stomach problems, ulcers, asthma, bleeding disorders or diabetes. Individuals with gout, anticoagulation or arthritis should also consult a doctor. Pregnant women should avoid aspirin during the last three months of pregnancy as it may cause delivery complications or problems with the unborn baby. Users should store the medication at room temperature and take each dose with a full glass of water, and they should never exceed 12 tablets of 325 milligrams in a 12-hour period.
