L2: aspirin

what is aspirin

acetylsalicylic acid, one of the greatest drugs dicovered

where did aspirin originated from

willow bark (salix)

who synthesised aspirin

Felix Hoffmann at bayer in 1897

what conditions was aspirin first used to treat

• arthritis

• rheumatic pain

• fever

• tissue injury

• period pain

what is aspirins mechanism of action

inhibits COX enzymes, reducing protection of prostaglandins

what are the roles of prostaglandins related to aspirin action

• TXA₂ promotes platelet clotting

• PGE₂ causes inflammation and pain

how does aspirin affect blood clotting

it inhibits COX-1 in platelets, reducing trombone and preventing clot formation

what is aspirin used for in cardiovascular disease

low-dose aspirin prevents secondary heart attacks

why is low-dose aspirin often enteric ally coated

to bypass the stomach and reduce irritation

what are major side effects of aspirin

• gastrointestinal bleeding

• peptic ulcers

why do NSAIDs cause stomach damage

because prostaglandins normally protect the stomach lining and COX-1 inhibition removes this protection

what was the Vioxx disaster

a selective COX-1 inhibitor that increased the risk of heart attacks and caused thousands of deaths

why did COX-2 inhibitors increase heart attack risk

they blocked prostacyclin production in blood vessels, which normally prevents clot formation

what cancers might aspirin reduce the risk of

colorectal cancer