Aspirin, like many medications, works by being absorbed into the bloodstream after you take it, allowing it to reach various areas of the body to exert its effects. Here’s how this process typically works:
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Absorption: When you take aspirin orally (as a tablet or capsule), it enters the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Aspirin is a weak acid and is primarily absorbed in the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine.
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Circulation: Once absorbed into the bloodstream, aspirin is distributed throughout the body. It can cross cell membranes and tissues, including the blood-brain barrier, which allows it to exert effects on various types of pain.
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Mechanism of Action: Aspirin primarily works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is involved in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are compounds that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing the levels of these compounds, aspirin alleviates pain and reduces inflammation.
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Targeting Pain: Aspirin can relieve different types of pain (such as headache, muscle pain, arthritis, etc.) because it has systemic effects. This means that as the medication circulates, it can affect the areas of the body experiencing pain by reducing inflammation and interrupting the pain signaling process.
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Onset of Action: The timing of pain relief can vary based on several factors, such as the formulation of aspirin used (e.g., enteric-coated tablets may take longer to dissolve) and individual metabolism, but generally, pain relief can occur within 30 minutes to an hour after taking aspirin.
In summary, aspirin travels via the bloodstream to various pain sites in the body, where it acts to decrease inflammation and block pain signals, providing relief.