how does aspirin work on pain in the body course hero

by Prof. Cordie Skiles 8 min read

He proved that aspirin and other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the activity of the enzyme now called cyclooxygenase (COX) which leads to the formation of prostaglandins

Prostaglandin

The prostaglandins are a group of physiologically active lipid compounds called eicosanoids having diverse hormone-like effects in animals. Prostaglandins have been found in almost every tissue in humans and other animals. They are derived enzymatically from the fatty acid arachid…

(PGs) that cause inflammation, swelling, pain and fever.

Full Answer

How does aspirin work in your body to treat pain?

Learn how aspirin works in your body to treat pain and help prevent heart attacks. Aspirin works to prevent the platelets in your blood from clumping and clotting in your arteries, thereby reducing these risks by improving blood flow to your heart and brain. Aspirin is the only OTC pain reliever known to have these lifesaving benefits.

How is aspirin metabolized in the human body?

After the uptake of aspirin from the G.I tract it goes into the portal venous system that enters the first pass, which is the liver, where drug metabolism occurs. Part of the aspirin is hydrolyzed into saclicylate by action of carboxylesterases.

How does ibuprofen work aspirin?

Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and indomethacin work by inhibiting an enzyme that produces prostaglandins--hormone-like messenger molecules that trigger many processes in the body, including inflammation.

What happens to aspirin when it enters the stomach?

When the aspirin enters the stomach some of it absorbs within the stomach as the aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid and the stomach contains acid. Anthony (2002). In the stomach (pH 2) the hydrolysis rate is lower than at pH 9-11 that is found in the upper G.I tract as the rate goes up significantly.

How old is aspirin?

How does ibuprofen work?

Does aspirin help with arthritis?

Does aspirin block prostaglandins?

Is PGHS-2 blocked by aspirin?

Is aspirin a NSAID?

See more

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How does aspirin work on pain in the body?

Aspirin works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, the on-off switch in cells that regulate pain and inflammation, among other things. That's why aspirin stops mild inflammation and pain.

What is the main mechanism of action of aspirin?

The most recognized mechanism of action of aspirin is to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins but this by itself does not explain the repertoire of anti-inflammatory effects of aspirin.

How does the body process aspirin?

Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and indomethacin work by inhibiting an enzyme that produces prostaglandins--hormone-like messenger molecules that trigger many processes in the body, including inflammation.

How does aspirin work Wikipedia?

Low-dose aspirin use irreversibly blocks the formation of thromboxane A2 in platelets, producing an inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation during the lifetime of the affected platelet (8–9 days).

How does aspirin work biochemistry?

Aspirin binds to and acetylates serine (an amino acid used by the body to make proteins) residues in the active site of cyclooxygenase enzymes, leading to reduced production of prostaglandin. This in turn mediates aspirin's effect of reduced inflammation and pain in affected tissues.

What's aspirin do?

Aspirin is used to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain from conditions such as muscle aches, toothaches, common cold, and headaches. It may also be used to reduce pain and swelling in conditions such as arthritis. Aspirin is known as a salicylate and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Is aspirin a painkiller?

Aspirin is an everyday painkiller for aches and pains such as headache, toothache and period pain. It can also be used to treat colds and flu-like symptoms, and to bring down a high temperature. Aspirin is known as an acetylsalicylic acid.

How does aspirin thin the blood?

Aspirin's Proven Benefit Taking a regular dose of aspirin diminishes the ability of your blood to clump together into clots by targeting the body's smallest blood cells. Called platelets, they bind together when they encounter damaged blood vessels.

How does aspirin suppress blood clotting?

Aspirin specifically locks down an enzyme called cyclooxygenase 2 (or COX-2), that makes prostaglandins. Prostaglandins, however, also cause tiny particles in blood (known as platelets) to stick together and form a blood clot. By inhibiting prostaglandin production, aspirin slows clot production. This can be bad.

What Does Aspirin Do to Your Body? 7 Side Effects, 11 Uses, Pain

Aspirin should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor. It should not be given to those younger than 16 years.Aspirin can cause a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome. It is a severe form of inflammation of the liver and brain.. Aspirin must be used with caution in people with asthma, kidney diseases, liver diseases, uncontrolled high blood pressure, dehydration, and certain bowel ...

What's the difference between aspirin and ibuprofen?

Even though aspirin and Ibuprofen are both NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and work similarly, that is by blocking the body’s production of prostaglandins which relieves pain and inflammation, there are several differences between the two drugs and they are not considered interchangeable.. The main differences between aspirin and ibuprofen are:

What Are the Main Ingredients in Aspirin? - Reference.com

The pain reliever and fever reducer aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is the active ingredient in aspirin tablets, as confirmed by Drugs.com. Inactive ingredients may include hypromellose, powdered cellulose, corn starch and triacetin.

Aspirin vs. Tylenol (acetaminophen): Side Effects & Uses for Pain Drugs

Aspirin and Tylenol (acetaminophen) are used to treat fever, and pain in the body. Aspirin is also used to prevent blood clots (antithrombotic). Aspirin and Tylenol belong to different drug classes. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and Tylenol is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer).

Daily aspirin therapy: Understand the benefits and risks

Taking aspirin every day may lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, but daily aspirin therapy isn't for everyone. Is it right for you? The answer depends on your age, overall health, history of heart disease, and risk of having a future heart attack or stroke.

How old is aspirin?

Aspirin is nearly a hundred years old, and its forerunner, willow bark, was used since the dawn of history. Only recently did scientists discover the target of these drugs, and now researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have revealed the precise chemical mechanism of how aspirin stops pain and inflammation.

How does ibuprofen work?

Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and indomethacin work by inhibiting an enzyme that produces prostaglandins--hormone-like messenger molecules that trigger many processes in the body, including inflammation.

Does aspirin help with arthritis?

The finding, reported in the journal Nature/Structural Biology, means that millions of arthritis sufferers and others who regularly take aspirin to reduce pain and inflammation may be able to look forward to improved drugs with fewer side effects. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ...

Does aspirin block prostaglandins?

The Chicago researchers have shown that aspirin splits into two parts and affixes one part to the enzyme, permanently altering its chemical structure and blocking the reaction that produces prostaglandins. Aspirin is the only NSAID known to work in this manner.

Is PGHS-2 blocked by aspirin?

We know that PGHS-2 is only partly blocked by aspirin, while PGHS-1 is completely knocked out. This paper shows why this might be so. The bottom line is that although the two forms of the enzyme seem very similar, their active sites are subtly different, and this could be a basis for rational drug design.".

Is aspirin a NSAID?

Aspirin is the only NSAID known to work in this manner. The new finding follows a report last year from this same research team, led by Michael Garavito, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, in which they determined the molecular structure of the enzyme, prostaglandin H2 synthase, or PGHS.

What is the purpose of aspirin?

Aspirin and other NSAIDs are widely used to address these nerve signals chemically by blocking the effects of certain enzymes that create prostaglandins. This means less pain and less swelling.

What is the chemical that causes pain?

When you get injured, the damaged tissue releases chemicals called prostaglandins, which are like hormones and cause the tissue to swell. They also intensify the electrical signal coming from the nerves, which increases the pain you feel. Aspirin is part of a class of drugs called NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs).

Does aspirin reduce swelling?

This means less pain and less swelling. Aspirin works to reduce this pain and swelling because it is an analgesic (pain reliever), an antipyretic (fever reducer) and an anti-inflammatory (fights swelling and inflammation).

Does aspirin help with heart attacks?

In addition to chemically blocking your body’s pain signals, aspirin can also reduce the risk of heart attacks and certain strokes. Aspirin works to prevent the platelets in your blood from clumping and clotting in your arteries, thereby reducing these risks by improving blood flow to your heart and brain. Aspirin is the only OTC pain reliever ...

What is the main ingredient in aspirin?

The main ingredient in aspirin comes from plant extracts. In the 1800s, a chemist made a form of this compound called acetylsalicylic acid. Aspirin is classified as a salicylic, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, also referred to as an NSAID. NSAIDs treat pain, fever, and reduce inflammation. It does this by stopping the substances in the body that cause pain, fever, or inflammation.

When was aspirin discovered?

Aspirin was discovered in 1897 and is a versatile medication that can be found at almost any store. It is referred to as a wonder drug because it can treat over 50 conditions. It demands so much interest that over 3,500 articles are written about aspirin every year.

How does aspirin absorb?

A drug wouldn’t be effective if the human body doesn’t breakdown and absorb the drug easily. When the aspirin enters the stomach some of it absorbs within the stomach as the aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid and the stomach contains acid. Anthony (2002). In the stomach (pH 2) the hydrolysis rate is lower than at pH 9-11 that is found in the upper G.I tract as the rate goes up significantly. Not all aspirin is absorbed in the stomach as it is a weak acid, but most of the absorption occurs in the upper part of the small intestine by passive diffusion. Aschenbrenner and Samantha (2009). The reason that less absorption occurs in the stomach is due to the surface area of the mucosa in the stomach and the coating layer that is on the tablet. Rainsford (2004). In the stomach about 24% of aspirin is ionised. About 10 minutes and after in the stomach the mass of the aspirin roughly about 12% is absorbed from a solution that is un-buffered. Cooke and Hunt. (1970). If the pH of gastric has risen up to pH 6 there would be a decrease about 1% of the area of absorption as the majority of aspirin would then be in a less permeable ionised form. Slower gastric absorption which is due to increased pH isn’t reflected in the overall slower absorption. This is because the solution that is buffered is rapidly removed into the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract and here the rate of absorption is fast. Dotevall and Ekenved (1976). The rate of absorption of aspirin salts is quick in a man on an empty stomach having a half life of absorption about 5-16 minutes. Rowland et al. (1972).

How long does aspirin last?

Aspirin is distributed throughout the body, which may last about 15 to 20 min. Quinn (2008). Aspirin has a molecular weight of 180.15, which is low. Rainsford (2004). This makes aspirin easier to leave the bloodstream and enter the capillaries.

What is Bayer aspirin used for?

Today, there are many medicines used to treat human diseases and one of the medicines is called Bayer aspirin. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is a white or colourless crystalline powder. Anthony (2002). It is used to treat mainly minor pains, but has their benefits like lowering fever, inflammation, and reduces blood from clotting. The trade name of aspirin is Bayer and the chemical name is acetylsalicylic acid. The manufacture name is time cap laboratories Inc that produces aspirin. Bayer aspirin contains both active and inactive ingredients. In each tablet the active ingredient is acetylsalicylic acid. Other than the active ingredients other components are the inactive ingredient. Now I will be mentioning the absorption, mode of administration, mechanism of action and the elimination of aspirin.

Why is aspirin less absorbed in the stomach?

The reason that less absorption occurs in the stomach is due to the surface area of the mucosa in the stomach and the coating layer that is on the tablet. Rainsford (2004). In the stomach about 24% of aspirin is ionised.

What is the chemical name for aspirin?

The trade name of aspirin is Bayer and the chemical name is acetylsalicylic acid. The manufacture name is time cap laboratories Inc that produces aspirin.

Where does aspirin go after the first pass?

After the uptake of aspirin from the G.I tract it goes into the portal venous system that enters the first pass, which is the liver, where drug metabolism occurs. Part of the aspirin is hydrolyzed into saclicylate by action of carboxylesterases. Rainsford (2004). Aspirin is distributed throughout the body, which may last about 15 to 20 min. Quinn (2008). Aspirin has a molecular weight of 180.15, which is low. Rainsford (2004). This makes aspirin easier to leave the bloodstream and enter the capillaries. Page et al. (2006). The lipid solubility of a drug can effect the diffusion that will occur across the membrane. Aspirin is quite lipid soluble having a log P value, which is 1.19. Salicyclic acid on the other hand is more soluble in lipid and will have a quite high distribution It has a log P value of 2.26. Drayton (1990). Also it is non-ionized, so it can pass through the lipid membrane of the cell. King and Mary (2009). Aspirin bounds to a plasma protein like albumin through reversibly and irreversible. Rainsford (2004). 50% of aspirin is bounded to plasma protein. Anthony (2002). An acetyl group is joined to the plasma protein when binding irreversible. Acetylsalicylic acid has an half life of 15 minutes, but it is longer for salicylate that has a half life of 2 hours. Aschenbrenner and Samantha (2009).

What was the first aspirin?

Drugs are available in different forms. Before aspirin tablets were available the first aspirin was in the form of a power . In 1915 aspirin was no longer in powder form, but now produced in tablet form that was white in appearance and round shaped. Ament (2007). At that time prescription weren’t needed if someone wanted aspirin. Later in 1952 a chewable aspirin was now available making it easier for children to take the drug or haven’t learnt to swallow yet. Ament (2007). There are other advantages like it can be taken with water, the stability is better and portability and palatability. The mode of administration was taken further as toleraid was added to aspirin. This is a thin coating of aspirin tablets or to granules that makes the tablet easier to consume. Rainsford (2004). Today Bayer aspirin are in the form of tablets that are taken orally.

What is the most widely used medicine of all time?

This drug was named "Aspirin" and became the most widely used medicine of all time. In 1971, Vane discovered the mechanism by which aspirin exerts its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic actions.

Does aspirin inhibit PG synthesis?

However, by inhibiting this key enzyme in PG synthesis, the aspirin-like drugs also prevented the production of physiologically important PGs which protect the stomach mucosa from damage by hydrochloric acid, maintain kidney function and aggregate platelets when required.

Does aspirin cause fever?

He proved that aspirin and other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the activity of the enzyme now called cyclooxygenase (COX) which leads to the formation of prostaglandins (PGs) that cause inflammation, swelling, pain and fever. However, by inhibiting this key enzyme in PG synthesis, the aspirin-like drugs also prevented ...

How old is aspirin?

Aspirin is nearly a hundred years old, and its forerunner, willow bark, was used since the dawn of history. Only recently did scientists discover the target of these drugs, and now researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have revealed the precise chemical mechanism of how aspirin stops pain and inflammation.

How does ibuprofen work?

Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and indomethacin work by inhibiting an enzyme that produces prostaglandins--hormone-like messenger molecules that trigger many processes in the body, including inflammation.

Does aspirin help with arthritis?

The finding, reported in the journal Nature/Structural Biology, means that millions of arthritis sufferers and others who regularly take aspirin to reduce pain and inflammation may be able to look forward to improved drugs with fewer side effects. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ...

Does aspirin block prostaglandins?

The Chicago researchers have shown that aspirin splits into two parts and affixes one part to the enzyme, permanently altering its chemical structure and blocking the reaction that produces prostaglandins. Aspirin is the only NSAID known to work in this manner.

Is PGHS-2 blocked by aspirin?

We know that PGHS-2 is only partly blocked by aspirin, while PGHS-1 is completely knocked out. This paper shows why this might be so. The bottom line is that although the two forms of the enzyme seem very similar, their active sites are subtly different, and this could be a basis for rational drug design.".

Is aspirin a NSAID?

Aspirin is the only NSAID known to work in this manner. The new finding follows a report last year from this same research team, led by Michael Garavito, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, in which they determined the molecular structure of the enzyme, prostaglandin H2 synthase, or PGHS.