Salicylates
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Overview
Salicylates are a group of drugs derived from salicylic acid, with aspirin being the most widely known. They have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antiplatelet properties.
How do salicylates work?
Aspirin irreversibly acetylates cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 enzymes, blocking the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane A2. The irreversible COX-1 inhibition in platelets is the basis for its antiplatelet effect.
Drugs in this class
- Aspirin (Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin)