Aspirin
Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, is a drug that relieves pain and fever, reduces inflammation, and inhibits platelet aggregation.
Cyclooxygenase: Cyclooxygenase enzymes convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandin and thromboxane precursors. Aspirin acetylates these enzymes, reducing production of inflammatory mediators and platelet thromboxane.
Analgesic: An analgesic is a drug that relieves pain without necessarily causing loss of consciousness. Aspirin is a non-opioid analgesic used for mild to moderate pain.
Salicin: Salicin is a plant-derived compound that the body can convert into salicylic acid. It helped establish the medicinal connection between willow bark and salicylate drugs.
Paracetamol: Paracetamol, also called acetaminophen, relieves pain and fever but has little peripheral anti-inflammatory activity at usual doses. Unlike aspirin, it does not produce the same clinically useful inhibition of platelet aggregation.
Myocardial infarction: A myocardial infarction is heart-muscle injury caused by prolonged interruption of its blood supply. Aspirin is used early in many suspected heart attacks because platelet inhibition can limit clot growth.
Prostaglandin: Prostaglandins are lipid signaling molecules involved in pain, fever, inflammation, and other physiological processes. Lower prostaglandin synthesis explains aspirin’s pain-relieving, fever-reducing, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Antipyretic: An antipyretic is a drug or treatment that lowers an elevated body temperature. Aspirin can reduce fever by lowering prostaglandin signaling involved in temperature regulation.
Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is an aromatic compound used in medicine and as a precursor to acetylsalicylic acid. Acetylating salicylic acid produced aspirin, with a different tolerability profile.
Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes. Its reversible enzyme inhibition contrasts with aspirin’s irreversible acetylation.
Ischemic stroke: An ischemic stroke occurs when a blocked artery deprives part of the brain of blood. Aspirin may help prevent recurrent ischemic events, but timing and suitability depend on clinical circumstances.