Which medication is a blood thinner (antiplatelet) and provides pain relief?

• A. Aspirin
• B. Warfarin
• C. Heparin
• D. Clopidogrel

Answer: (A)

Aspirin combines two roles: it blocks platelet clumping and relieves pain. Its antiplatelet action comes from irreversible inhibition of COX-1 in platelets, which reduces thromboxane A2 and decreases platelet aggregation, helping prevent arterial clots. Its pain-relieving effect is due to NSAID activity that lowers prostaglandin synthesis, reducing inflammation and pain. Among the options, aspirin uniquely provides both antiplatelet effects and analgesia. Warfarin and heparin are anticoagulants that prevent clotting factors from working but don’t relieve pain, while clopidogrel is an antiplatelet without analgesic properties.