Eicosanoid-of-the-Day

People often take aspirin for headaches. Let's see how it works!

Prostaglandins (eicosanoids) trigger fever/headache. They are synthesized from arachinodate which is derived from cell membrane phospholipids. These eicosanoids may be synthesized in every cell of the body (except red blood cells).

Asprin inhibits the action of cycloxygenase. Cycloxygenase is required for the synthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonate. Hence, with this inhibition, a fever/headache will not be triggered.

However, aspirin may have a side effect on the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. stomach ache). "Buffered" aspirin may be used instead as it is of reduced acidity. For people who need to take aspirin on a daily basis, "enteric" aspirin may be used. Such aspirin tablets are specially coated such that they pass through the stomach without dissolving but starts working in a basic environment (small intestine). Since it only starts working on reaching the small intestine, a few hours has to pass before it can take effect.

I have a headache. I should sleep.