Is aspirin an acidic or alkaline medication?

Aspirin is an acidic drug. Aspirin belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and its chemical name is acetylsalicylic acid. It is a white crystalline powder, odorless or slightly odorous with a vinegar-like smell. Its aqueous solution is acidic, a property closely related to its chemical structure. Clinically, aspirin is widely used to relieve mild to moderate pain, such as toothache, headache, neuralgia, muscle soreness, and dysmenorrhea. It is also used in the treatment of febrile illnesses such as colds and influenza. Additionally, aspirin has an antiplatelet aggregation effect, which helps prevent thrombus formation and reduces the risk of thrombotic diseases such as myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction. Although aspirin itself is acidic, it can cause significant irritation to the gastric mucosa. Adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding may occur during its use. To minimize mucosal irritation or injury in clinical practice, enteric-coated formulations are commonly used, reducing the drug's direct contact time in the stomach and thereby lowering the risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions. It is also important to strictly follow medical instructions when using this medication.