Aspirin: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Aspirin-skeletal.svg|thumb|right|Skeletal formula of aspirin]] | |||
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Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is a medication used to reduce pain, fever, or inflammation. Specific inflammatory conditions which aspirin is used to treat include [[Kawasaki disease]], [[pericarditis]], and [[rheumatic fever]]. Aspirin is also used long-term to help prevent further heart attacks, [[ischemic stroke]], and blood clots in people at high risk. | |||
==History== | |||
[[File:Aspirine-1923.jpg|thumb|left|Aspirin advertisement from 1923]] | |||
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The use of aspirin dates back to ancient times when extracts of [[willow bark]] were used for pain relief. The active ingredient, salicin, was identified in the 19th century, and acetylsalicylic acid was synthesized by [[Felix Hoffmann]] at [[Bayer]] in 1897. | |||
==Chemical Structure== | |||
[[File:Aspirin-B-3D-balls.png|thumb|right|3D ball model of aspirin]] | |||
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Aspirin is a [[salicylate]] drug, and its chemical formula is C₉H₈O₄. It is an ester of [[salicylic acid]] and [[acetic anhydride]]. | |||
==Mechanism of Action== | |||
Aspirin works by inhibiting the enzyme [[cyclooxygenase]] (COX), which results in a decreased formation of [[prostaglandins]] and [[thromboxanes]]. This inhibition is irreversible, which is why aspirin has a prolonged effect on platelet function. | |||
== | ==Synthesis== | ||
[[File:Aspirin_synthesis.svg|thumb|right|Synthesis of aspirin]] | |||
Aspirin is synthesized through the acetylation of salicylic acid with acetic anhydride. The reaction is catalyzed by an acid, such as sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid. | |||
===Reaction Mechanism=== | |||
[[File:Acetylation of salicylic acid, mechanism.png|thumb|left|Mechanism of acetylation of salicylic acid]] | |||
The acetylation of salicylic acid involves the transfer of an acetyl group from acetic anhydride to the hydroxyl group of salicylic acid, forming aspirin and acetic acid as a byproduct. | |||
== | ==Medical Uses== | ||
Aspirin is used for its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used in low doses to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. | |||
== | ==Side Effects== | ||
Common side effects include [[gastrointestinal bleeding]], [[ulceration]], and [[tinnitus]]. Aspirin should be used with caution in people with [[asthma]] or [[peptic ulcer disease]]. | |||
== | ==Commercial Availability== | ||
[[File:Old_Package_of_Aspirin.jpg|thumb|right|Old package of aspirin]] | |||
[[File:Bayer Aspirin and store-brand generic on Canadian drugstore shelf.jpg|thumb|left|Bayer aspirin and generic aspirin on a store shelf]] | |||
Aspirin is available over-the-counter in many countries and is sold under various brand names, including Bayer Aspirin. | |||
== | ==Related Pages== | ||
* [[Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug]] | |||
* [[Salicylic acid]] | |||
* [[Cyclooxygenase]] | |||
* [[Thromboxane]] | |||
* [[ | |||
* [[ | |||
* [[ | |||
{{Salicylates}} | {{Salicylates}} | ||
{{Prostanoid signaling modulators}} | {{Prostanoid signaling modulators}} | ||
{{Portal bar | Medicine}} | {{Portal bar | Medicine}} | ||
[[Category:Aspirin| ]] | [[Category:Aspirin| ]] | ||
[[Category:1897 in Germany]] | [[Category:1897 in Germany]] | ||
| Line 170: | Line 63: | ||
[[Category:Salicylic acids]] | [[Category:Salicylic acids]] | ||
[[Category:Salicylyl esters]] | [[Category:Salicylyl esters]] | ||
[[Category:Analgesics]] | [[Category:Analgesics]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Antiplatelet drugs]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:55, 21 February 2025

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is a medication used to reduce pain, fever, or inflammation. Specific inflammatory conditions which aspirin is used to treat include Kawasaki disease, pericarditis, and rheumatic fever. Aspirin is also used long-term to help prevent further heart attacks, ischemic stroke, and blood clots in people at high risk.
History[edit]

The use of aspirin dates back to ancient times when extracts of willow bark were used for pain relief. The active ingredient, salicin, was identified in the 19th century, and acetylsalicylic acid was synthesized by Felix Hoffmann at Bayer in 1897.
Chemical Structure[edit]

Aspirin is a salicylate drug, and its chemical formula is C₉H₈O₄. It is an ester of salicylic acid and acetic anhydride.
Mechanism of Action[edit]
Aspirin works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which results in a decreased formation of prostaglandins and thromboxanes. This inhibition is irreversible, which is why aspirin has a prolonged effect on platelet function.
Synthesis[edit]

Aspirin is synthesized through the acetylation of salicylic acid with acetic anhydride. The reaction is catalyzed by an acid, such as sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid.
Reaction Mechanism[edit]

The acetylation of salicylic acid involves the transfer of an acetyl group from acetic anhydride to the hydroxyl group of salicylic acid, forming aspirin and acetic acid as a byproduct.
Medical Uses[edit]
Aspirin is used for its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used in low doses to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Side Effects[edit]
Common side effects include gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and tinnitus. Aspirin should be used with caution in people with asthma or peptic ulcer disease.
Commercial Availability[edit]


Aspirin is available over-the-counter in many countries and is sold under various brand names, including Bayer Aspirin.
Related Pages[edit]
| Salicylates |
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- Aspirin
- 1897 in Germany
- 1897 in science
- Acetate esters
- Acetylsalicylic acids
- Antiplatelet drugs
- Drugs developed by Bayer
- Brands that became generic
- Chemical substances for emergency medicine
- Commercialization of traditional medicines
- Covalent inhibitors
- Equine medications
- German inventions
- Hepatotoxins
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Salicylic acids
- Salicylyl esters
- Analgesics