Is aspirin an anti-inflammatory?

Yes, aspirin is an anti-inflammatory. It inhibits cyclooxygenases (COXs), which are enzymes in the body that help to produce prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are naturally occurring chemicals involved in pain and inflammation. By inhibiting COX, aspirin blocks prostaglandins from being produced, which helps to alleviate classic symptoms of inflammation, such as swelling, redness, warmth and pain.

Because of this action, aspirin is considered a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is effective at relieving pain, reducing fever and calming inflammation. Aspirin can be used for the treatment of fever and mild pain associated with joint pain, toothaches, minor aches and pains of arthritis, menstrual pain, headaches, backaches, muscle aches, tendonitis and bursitis.

Updated September 2024.