Aiming to get slightly reduced number (7)
I believe the answer is:
aspirin
'number' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for aspirin that I've seen before include "Common drug in Paris" , "Analgesic compound" , "Anti-inflammatory tablet" , "Headache killer?" , "Analgesic over in Paris" .)