Definition

Noun: A type of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) that has been combined with an antacid substance. This coating or additive is designed to neutralize stomach acid, which can help reduce the risk of stomach irritation, a common side effect of regular aspirin.

Usage

This term is used specifically to refer to the medicinal tablet form designed for oral consumption. It is often mentioned in medical, pharmaceutical, and general consumer contexts when discussing pain relief options with reduced gastrointestinal side effects. - For patients with a sensitive stomach, the doctor recommended buffered aspirin. - Buffered aspirin is often chosen by those who need to take aspirin daily but are concerned about gastric upset.

Advanced Usage

• As a Modifier: The term "buffered" functions as an adjective modifying "aspirin," specifying the type. It can be used in compound nouns like "buffered aspirin tablet."
  • The buffered aspirin formulation is gentler on the stomach lining.

Variants and Related Words

• Bufferin: A well-known trade name for buffered aspirin. This is a proprietary brand, not a generic term.
  • She bought a bottle of Bufferin at the pharmacy.
• Enteric-coated aspirin: A different type of aspirin with a special coating that dissolves in the intestines rather than the stomach, also aimed at reducing gastric irritation. This is a related but distinct formulation.
• Plain aspirin / Regular aspirin: Aspirin without any buffering or special coating.

Synonyms

• Aspirin with antacid
• Alka-Seltzer (Note: This is a specific brand-name product that contains aspirin, citric acid, and sodium bicarbonate, which buffers the aspirin. It is often used for similar purposes but is not a direct synonym in all contexts.)

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning is "aspirin combined with a buffering agent." The primary purpose is pharmacological: to deliver the benefits of aspirin (pain relief, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet effects) while mitigating its potential to cause stomach discomfort or ulcers. It is important to distinguish it from "enteric-coated" aspirin, which uses a different mechanical method (delayed release) to protect the stomach.

Noun

1. aspirin coated with a substance capable of neutralizing acid (trade name Bufferin)