Question

When an individual with a fever consumes aspirin, the antipyretic (fever-reducing) action of aspirin works by________.

A) Blocking prostaglandin synthesis
B) Increasing white blood cell count
C) Stimulating cytokine production
D) Lowering blood pressure

Answer 1

Aspirin's antipyretic action is achieved by blocking prostaglandin synthesis through the inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing fever and inflammation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an individual with a fever consumes aspirin, the antipyretic action of aspirin works by blocking prostaglandin synthesis. This is achieved through the inhibition of enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-1 and COX-2), which are key in the production of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. By inhibiting these enzymes, aspirin prevents prostaglandins from contributing to fever and inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin not only reduce fever but also have analgesic effects and can act as anticoagulants by inhibiting platelet aggregation.