Among the listed drugs, which should be preferred if a patient is taking aspirin?

When considering drug interactions and the safety of a patient taking aspirin, acetaminophen emerges as the preferred option. While diclofenac and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like piroxicam and ketorolac may effectively manage pain, they also carry a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or irritation, especially when used concurrently with aspirin. This is particularly concerning as aspirin is often used not just for pain but also for its antiplatelet effects to prevent cardiovascular events.

Acetaminophen, on the other hand, is not an NSAID and does not share the same gastrointestinal side effects. It does not affect the stomach lining in the way that NSAIDs do, making it a safer alternative to consider for pain relief in patients who are already on aspirin therapy. Thus, acetaminophen clearly stands out as a safer choice in this context, helping to minimize the risk of adverse reactions while still providing effective pain management.