Question

Aspirin is

• A. antibiotic
• B. sedative
• C. tranquilizer
• D. antipyretic

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Aspirin is used to bring down the body temperature in case of high fever and to relief pain, so it is an antipyretic as well as analgesic.

Answer 2

Ans. Aspirin, commonly known as Acetyl Salicylic acid, belongs to Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Aspirin uses include relief from pain, aches and reduced production of thromboplastin in blood plasma. Aspirin is commonly prescribed as an OTC drug to treat mild to moderate inflammation, Kawasaki disease, rheumatic arthritis, pericarditis, rheumatic fever, etc. Aspirin is prescribed for cardiac patients for its blood-thinning capacity. Combined with Clopidogrel, aspirin liquidizes blood by reducing the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin.

Aspirin is synthesized in the laboratory by the process of Esterification using Sulphuric acid as a catalyst. Occasionally, Phosphoric acid replaces Sulphuric acid. Salicylic acid reacts with Acetic Anhydride, an acid derivative in the presence of a catalyst to give Aspirin and acetic acid, a by-product of the reaction.

Chemical Properties of Acetyl Salicylic Acid

• Aspirin gets hydrolyzed when exposed to moist air.
• It reacts with ammonium acetate, carbonates, citrates, and alkali.
• It is easily oxidizable.

Medical Uses of Aspirin

• It is used to reduce pain.
• It decreases body temperature thereby reducing fever.
• It is used to treat pericarditis and rheumatic fever in children.
• It is used in the long term to prevent heart attack, ischemic strokes, and blood clots.
• It is a very good blood thinner.
• It prevents the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin thereby. stopping blood coagulation.
• It is used as an anti-inflammatory agent.
• It is used as an analgesic.

Side Effects of Aspirin

Few adverse effects are reported with intake of Aspirin. Usually, Aspirin is prescribed by a physician or pharmacist. Some of the adverse effects of Aspirin are:

• Stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding.
• Worsen asthma.
• Redness of eyes, toes, feet.
• Irritation in the genital part, palms, and toes.
• Swelling of skin tissues.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding.