Abstract

Safprin is an enteric-coated 300 mg aspirin tablet with an outer case containing 250 mg paracetamol. The manufacturers claim a rapid analgesic effect from absorption of the paracetamol (which ordinary enteric-coated aspirin does not provide), and prolonged relief of pain by the aspirin which is released in the small intestine. Because no aspirin is released in the stomach, Safprin is claimed to cause less gastric irritation and bleeding than ordinary aspirin. Safprin has so far only been test marketed in Scotland, and is not yet available elsewhere.