Question

Which of the following is used in relieving pain? (1) Acetyl salicylic acid (2) Methyl salicylate (3) Methylacetate (4) Phenylacrylate

Short answer

Acetyl salicylic acid (1)

Step-by-step solution

Understand the options

Identify and understand each of the substances listed and their uses. Knowing their common uses will help in identifying which one is used for pain relief.

Review medicinal uses

Acetyl salicylic acid is commonly known as Aspirin and is widely used for pain relief and reducing inflammation. Methyl salicylate is an ingredient in many topical pain relief products. Methylacetate and Phenylacrylate are not commonly associated with pain relief.

Compare the options

Compare the uses of all options. Both Acetyl salicylic acid and Methyl salicylate are related to pain relief, but Acetyl salicylic acid has a broader and more well-known application as an oral pain reliever.

Determine the best answer

Considering that Acetyl salicylic acid (Aspirin) is widely known as a pain reliever, it is the correct answer for this question.

Key concepts

Acetyl Salicylic Acid

Acetyl salicylic acid is more commonly known as Aspirin. It is one of the most well-known medicines for pain relief.
Aspirin works by inhibiting enzymes in your body that contribute to inflammation and pain signals.
It is also effective in reducing fever and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Since it can help with pain and inflammation, it is often used to treat headache, muscle pain, and arthritis.
Aspiring also plays a significant role in reducing the risk of heart attacks for some individuals when taken in low doses.
It is important to follow dosage guidelines to avoid any side effects, such as stomach ulcers.

Methyl Salicylate

Methyl salicylate is another compound that helps with pain relief. It is often found in topical pain relief products like creams and gels.
You might recognize it by its distinctive menthol-like smell.
Methyl salicylate acts by dilating capillaries on the applied area, which helps to increase blood flow and reduce pain.
It is commonly used to alleviate muscle and joint pain.
Because it is applied topically, the risks of systemic side effects are much lower compared to oral medications.
However, always use it as directed to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Medicinal Chemistry

Medicinal chemistry is the science of designing and synthesizing pharmaceuticals. It involves understanding the interactions between chemical compounds and biological systems.
Researchers in medicinal chemistry seek to create compounds that can effectively treat diseases with minimal side effects.
Understanding the chemistry behind drugs like acetyl salicylic acid and methyl salicylate allows scientists to improve their efficacy and safety.
In the context of pain relief, medicinal chemistry helps in developing new analgesics and improving existing ones.
Advances in this field contribute to better pain management strategies.

Analgesics

Analgesics are medications specifically designed to relieve pain. They can be classified into different types based on their action mechanism.
Common analgesics include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, opioid medications, and acetaminophen.
NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation, while opioids block pain signals in the brain.
Acetaminophen, on the other hand, is useful for reducing pain and fever without having significant anti-inflammatory effects.
Choosing the right analgesic depends on the type and severity of pain, as well as the patient’s overall health condition.
Always consult a healthcare provider to ensure the most effective and safest option for pain relief.