What pharmacological classification does aspirin fall under?

Aspirin is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) due to its ability to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever. It acts by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which play a key role in the synthesis of prostaglandins—chemicals that mediate inflammation and pain. By blocking these enzymes, aspirin effectively decreases the production of these inflammatory substances, leading to its therapeutic effects.

This classification is significant because NSAIDs are commonly used for various conditions, including arthritis and other inflammatory disorders, as well as for pain relief and reducing fever. Aspirin is also well-known for its use in preventing cardiovascular events due to its antiplatelet effects, which further emphasizes its role in managing both pain/inflammation and cardiovascular health.

The other choices do not accurately describe aspirin's pharmacological classification. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that are derived from steroid hormones, and opioid analgesics are used primarily for more severe pain and act on the central nervous system. These categories are distinct from NSAIDs, which primarily target inflammation without central nervous system involvement.