What classification does Aspirin fall under?

Aspirin belongs to the classification of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This group of medications is characterized by their ability to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and lower fevers. Aspirin works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins—molecules that play key roles in pain and inflammation processes.

Since aspirin effectively reduces both pain and inflammation, it is commonly used for a variety of conditions, including headaches, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases, where its antiplatelet effects can also be beneficial. While other classifications such as opioid analgesics, coxibs (which selectively inhibit COX-2), and skeletal muscle relaxants are used for other therapeutic purposes, they do not encompass the properties of aspirin. The classification of NSAID is thus the most accurate descriptor of aspirin's mechanism of action and its primary uses in clinical practice.