ADVERSE EFFECTS OF SALICYLATES

Abstract

Salicylates are medications used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Salicylates are one of the oldest and most commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Salicylates reduce fever by working on the brain’s hypothalamus region, which regulates body temperature. Salicylates reduce inflammation by inhibiting the activity of enzymes known as cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), essential for the biosynthesis of prostaglandin. Prostaglandin is a fatty compound produced all over the body except red blood cells. Prostaglandins have many functions that include initiating inflammation, protecting the stomach lining from stomach acids, maintaining kidney function, and regulating blood clotting.