How aspirin works?

Whether we have a headache, fever or joint pain, aspirin has been the go-to medication for years. But have you ever stopped and thought about how such a tiny pill can relieve so much discomfort? In this article, we’ll be taking an amusing approach at dissecting exactly how aspirin works.

Introduction: The Basics of Aspirin

Aspirin is a type of medicine classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which provides various therapeutic benefits to the patient’s body by blocking the production of certain testosterones known as prostaglandins that play an important part in promoting inflammation.

There are countless brands of aspirin out there today; however, it all boils down to one active ingredient – acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).

So how does this compound work its magic? Let’s find out!

Step 1 : Dissolved in Stomach Acid

The moment we swallow that little pill with water or any other drink containing fizziness from carbonic acid gas our stomachs get busy dissolving it right away. ASA only requires few minutes for complete digestion by the enzyme esterases present naturally in intestinal walls forming salicylate along with acetic acid.

Now that these ingredients are absorbed into our bloodstream lets us move on to step 2!

Step 2 : Salicylate Processed by Liver

When blood rich with salicylate enters our liver, various detoxification enzymes within will process them into harmless compounds before excreting through your kidneys eventually making their way to bladder and peeing them away huh pee-solutely amazing! Isn’t nature crazy?

Step 3 : Blocked Prostaglandins = Pain Relief

Now here comes what everyone wants–the effects of aspirin itself 
After completing steps one & two ASA travels out throughout the entire body, and our friend salicylate starts to interfere with Cox-1 (constitutive cyclooxygenase) & Cox-2 (inducible cyclooxygenase) enzymes, which are fundamental for creating prostaglandins.

When taken up in high amounts say approximately 300mg of aspirin. It inhibits a considerable amount of these pesky hormones from being produced bringing down swelling while also altering how your nerves detect pain signals by targeting part where pain detected Nuts right?

Table 1 : Effects on Prostaglandins

Effect Type
Pain Relief Blocked PGs
Anti-Inflammatory Less PG Production
Antipyretic Lowered Fever due to Inflammation

Sidekick: Reye Syndrome

Although its unlikely an individual will ever experience a life-threatening medical condition like Reye syndrome, it’s essential we make sure to use what we have been given responsibly. Despite ASA having all its fantastic benefits consuming too much can cause severe side effects.

  • Note for Readers: Never give Aspirin to children or teenagers with fever, as it may lead them towards getting diagnosed with Reye syndrome; this rare illness could damage their liver besides leading towards seizures and loss of awareness -while not precisely hilarious I know reader guys just want you all safe!

While necessary for humor sake avoid over-using sedatives or drinking alcohol while ingesting any NSAID such that coordination isn’t impeded and adverse reactions don’t occur!

Step 4 : Secure Delivery System

Typically, nowadays aspirin is available in enteric-coated or extended-release tablets/capsules. These nifty innovations help protect our delicate stomach lining against harshness of ASA acidity yet assuring drug delivers securely without degrading along way until reaching site inflammation.

Bullet List: Types of Tablets

  • Enteric-Coated Tablets
  • Extended-Release Capsules

Conclusion: Closing Statement

Aspirin is a miracle drug that has been around for over 120 years, with all the usage benefits it’s given us one should always keep in mind potential harm caused by overuse. With this article, I hope you’ve gained an amusing insight into just how aspirin works and can continue consuming responsibly knowing we have a sidekick to aid on rocky road of pain relief!

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