NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Ace your North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) with our comprehensive practice test. Features include interactive flashcards, multiple-choice questions, with detailed hints and explanations. Fast-track your pharmacy career today!

Start Multiple Choice Practice Test
Start Flash Cards

Practice this question and more.

What is the role of aspirin among NSAIDs?

  1. Reversible COX 1/2 inhibitor

  2. Non-selective COX inhibitor

  3. Irreversible COX 1/2 inhibitor

  4. Selective COX-2 inhibitor

The correct answer is: Irreversible COX 1/2 inhibitor

Aspirin is considered an irreversible inhibitor of both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. It irreversibly acetylates and inactivates the enzymes, leading to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Unlike other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which are reversible inhibitors, aspirin's irreversible inhibition of COX enzymes is what sets it apart. This irreversible inhibition is why aspirin is often used for its antiplatelet effects at lower doses, as the platelets do not have the capacity to generate new COX enzymes, making the effect irreversible until new platelets are produced.

More Questions Like This