Aspirin pharmacological effects

In addition to their beneficial effects, some medications may actually cause cellular injury and disease. An example of this phenomenon involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). These drugs include aspirin (a derivative of salicylic acid), ibuprofen (arylpropionic acid, Advil ), and acetaminophen (para-aminophenol derivative, Tylenol ). Because of their beneficial pharmacological effects, consumption of these agents has increased significantly in recent years. NSAIDS have the ability to treat fever, pain, acute inflammation, and chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. They are also used prophylactically to prevent heart disease, stroke, and colon cancer. 

Pharmacodynamic alcohol interactions are also of great clinical significance. Additive central nervous system depression with other sedative-hypnotics is most important. Alcohol also potentiates the pharmacologic effects of many nonsedative drugs, including vasodilators and oral hypoglycemic agents. There is some evidence that alcohol also enhances the antiplatelet action of aspirin. 

Prostaglandins are biosynthesized from arachidonic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid containing four double bonds. The enzyme prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase converts arachidonic acid to PGH2, which serves as the precursor for prostaglandins and related compounds. Aspirin exerts its pharmacological effect by inhibiting this enzyme. 

No historical perspective of natural product derived drugs would be complete without a discussion of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)—probably the most widely utilised drug of all time when the numbers of tablets consumed worldwide on an annual basis are considered. Even today, where presumably the major pharmacological effect is modulation of the cyclooxygenase isoforms, its full activity is still not fully defined. 

It has been known for some time that aspirin, and the aspirinlike drugs, have a triumvirate of pharmacological properties antipyresis, analgesia, and antiinflammatory characteristics. It may even be comprehended that the peripheral antiinflammatory effects contributed to an extent to the analgesia in which inflammation was a major factor. A comprehensive picture, however, of the mechanism of action of these compounds and the interrelationship of the pharmacologic effects has only become clear since. 

Unfortunately, at this point, interpreting results for the electrode measurement of salicylate in blood samples is complicated by the fact that a large fraction of the total salicylate is bound to proteins (22, 23). The Sn(TPP)Cl2 based membrane electrode detects "free" salicylate while the conventional colorimetric procedure (i.e. the Trinder method (21) or variations thereof) measures total salicylate concentration (free plus bound). The former is the physiologically active form of the compound (24). Thus, the salicylate selective electrode could provide a new analytical tool for scientists who are examining the pharmacological effects of aspirin and other... 

NSAIDs, such as aspirin, IND, ketoprofen, ibuprofen, naproxen, sulindac and flurbiprofen, are widely used in treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Recent studies have also shown that they have activity in retardation of colonic tumor growth [89-91]. However, oral administration of NSAIDs usually generates gastrointestinal side effects (e.g. gastric ulcers and gastric perforation) [92]. Therefore, colon-specific and controlled release of NSAIDs are important to achieve sustained pharmacologic effects and reduce the side effects. 

The salicylates include aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and related drugp, such as magnesium salicylate and sodium salicylate. The salicylates have analgesic (relieves pain), antipyretic (reduces elevated body temperature), and anti-inflammatory effects. All the salicylates are similar in pharmacologic activity however, aspirin has a greater anti-inflammatory effect than the other salicylates. Specific salicylates are listed in the Summary Drug Table Nonnarcotic Analgesics Salicylates and Nonsalicylates. 

Pharmacology Antithrombotic action is the result of the additive antiplatelet effects of dipyridamole and aspirin. 

Pharmacology The site and mechanism of the analgesic effect is unclear. APAP reduces fever by a direct action on the hypothalamic heat-regulating centers, which increases dissipation of body heat (via vasodilatation and sweating). APAP is almost as potent as aspirin in inhibiting prostaglandin synthetase in the CNS, but its peripheral inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis is minimal. 

Pharmacology The study of the beneficial and adverse effects of drugs Benefits of aspirin or caffeine... 

Type B effects are not related to the pharmacological properties of these drugs. Serious side effects may occur. Allergic skin and liver reactions to aspirin and paracetamol have been reported with risk of fibrosis, particularly in the retroperitoneal region for methysergide and hypersensitivity reactions with NSAID and pure analgesics. 

Fenoprofen (Nalfon) is chemically and pharmacologically similar to ibuprofen and is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and mild to moderate pain. GI effects such as dyspepsia and pain are most common, although dizziness, pruritus, and palpitations may occur. GI bleeding, sometimes severe, has been reported, and interstitial nephritis has been rarely associated with this drug. Concomitant administration of aspirin decreases the biological half-Ufe of fenoprofen by increasing the metabolic clearance of hydroxy-lated fenoprofen. Chronic administration of pheno-barbital also decreases the drug s half-life. 

---