Aspirin

Turns to be the Century Miracle Drug!

Aspirin Description:

Aspirin belongs to a group of drugs called Salicylates. Other members of this group include Sodium Salicylate, Choline Salicylate, and Magnesium Salicylate. These drugs are more expensive and no more effective than aspirin. However, they are a little easier on the stomach. Aspirin is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and provides quick and relatively long-lasting pain relief. Aspirin also reduces inflammation. Researchers believe these effects come about because aspirin blocks the production of pain-producing chemicals called prostaglandins. According to the theory concerning the origin of the name aspirin, it comes from the combination of acetyl; the Latin Spiraea, the genus of plants to which meadowsweet belongs and which also contains salicylic aldehyde, a precursor to salicylic acid (in German );salicylic acid is Spirsäure.

Uses of Aspirin:

Aspirin is used to relieve many kinds of minor aches and pains--headaches, toothaches , muscle pain, menstrual cramps, the joint pain from arthritis, and aches associated with colds and flu. Some people take aspirin daily to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart problems. Many other over-the-counter medicine contain Aspirin. Alka-Seltzer Original Effervescent Antacid Pain Reliever, for example, contains aspirin for pain relief and sodium bicarbonate to relieve acid indigestion, heartburn, and sour stomach.
Aspirin, also known as 'acetylsalicylic acid', has a chemical formula of C9H8O4.

The chemical structure of aspirin:

Aspirin is prepared  salicyilic acid according to the reaction below :