Which describes aspirin's mechanism of action?

• A. Anti-inflammatory, anti-fever, and anti-platelet
• B. Antibiotic action
• C. Diuretic effect
• D. Vasodilator

Answer: (A)

Aspirin works by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase, which reduces the production of prostaglandins and thromboxanes. Prostaglandins drive inflammation and fever, so lowering them explains aspirin’s anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. Thromboxane A2 promotes platelet aggregation, so decreasing its production in platelets reduces clotting, giving the anti-platelet effect. Because aspirin irreversibly inhibits COX in platelets, its antiplatelet action lasts for the life of the platelet (about 7–10 days). This combination—anti-inflammatory, anti-fever, and anti-platelet—best describes aspirin’s mechanism. Other options describe actions of different drug types (antibiotics, diuretics, vasodilators) and do not reflect how aspirin works.