History of Disprin

The early days

The use of aspirin-like substances in medicine can be traced back to Hippocrates in 400BC, who advocated the use of willow bark extract to relieve the pain of childbirth.

Aspirin itself was first marketed as a pain-killing, fever-reducing, anti-inflammatory drug in 1899 as Bayer Aspirin and rapidly became the world’s biggest selling brand. As such it was virtually unchallenged for almost half a century, until after the Second World War.

It was not until 1827 that the active ingredient, salicin, was actually identified, and 1838 when this was further developed into salicylic acid. In 1897 Bayer’s Felix Hoffman produced acetylsalicylic acid – the aspirin that we know today, which was more effective and caused less stomach irritation than salicylic acid.

But ordinary solid aspirin still caused stomach irritation in some people, and so in the early 1940s, Reckitt & Colman, began developing a soluble aspirin product, for the relief of pain, fever and inflammation, which caused much less stomach irritation than traditional solid aspirin tablets. Its development, at Reckitt & Sons, Hull, UK, was complicated by the Second World War. However, despite the bombings and fluctuating availability of essential ingredients, Disprin was successfully launched in November 1948.

The brand name Disprin was chosen to link the active ingredient ‘aspirin’ with its dissolving nature, and Disprin quickly became popular with the medical profession – hence the early advertising slogan: "Take an aspirin – I mean a Disprin". Disprin became an international brand in the 1950s when it appeared on shelves across the globe, including South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It is now available in over 70 countries and has been synonymous with effective analgesia for over half a century.

A typical Disprin ad from the 1950's

Recent developments

The Disprin range is now much more than soluble aspirin, however. Although these formats are enormously popular, the range now contains other active ingredients, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. For instance India now has Disprin Paracetamol and Ireland now has Paracetamol tablets from the makers of Disprin and Ibuprofen tablets from the makers of Disprin. Disprin thus offers the consumer distinctive products with modern formats and a range of effective pain-killing ingredients.

In some countries Disprin is already used for treating symptoms of cold and flu. However, the recent launch of Disprin Cold + Flu in certain countries, specifically for cold and flu sufferers, means that more patients can benefit from the pain-killing, fever-reducing, anti-inflammatory properties of Disprin.

Packaging evolution

Disprin was first packaged in distinctive round glass bottles, with cotton wool inserted in the top and a plastic screw cap. However, Reckitt & Colman soon developed the first aluminium foil packaging, and Disprin quickly established its identity in these 'modern' foil strips, which were more convenient, portable and safer than the glass bottle. New products with active ingredients such as those in Ireland and India retain the distinctive Disprin heritage.

Disprin 2002

Disprin has been recently updated with a dynamic new pack. The fresh, modern design in bright cobalt blue confirms that Disprin's reliable formula is still relevant for today's hectic lifestyles, while its long history of fast, effective pain relief should ensure its continued success into the future. And some things haven't changed over the years. The first label was round, blue and carried the Disprin name and sword symbol, just as it does today.

Newer packs, from Ireland for example, which contain paracetamol and ibuprofen, retain the distinctive Disprin heritage.

Always read the label/leaflet, for more information contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Disprin and the Sword & Circle are trademarks.