Historical Background of Aspirin

Aspirin was initially developed in the 19th century to stabilize salicylic acid, which was used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation. Its early applications were limited by the gastrointestinal irritation caused by salicylic acid, prompting the development of a more stomach-friendly alternative. The discovery of aspirin’s potential to reduce bleeding risk emerged in the 1940s when a Californian GP observed increased postoperative hemorrhages in children given aspirin-laced chewing gum. This led to the promotion of its antithrombotic properties and subsequent recommendations for its daily use to prevent myocardial infarctions.