Aspirin and penicillin

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a commonly used drug for relieving pain, reducing fever, and preventing heart disease.
It was first synthesised in the lab by Felix Hoffmann at Bayer in 1897, although its natural form (from willow bark) had been used for centuries.
Its mode of action involves inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which produces prostaglandins. These compounds are involved in inflammation, pain sensation, and fever.
Aspirin is an example of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). These drugs act by reducing the production of prostaglandins.
The side effects of aspirin can include stomach ulcers or bleeding due to its effect on the stomach lining, as it can block the production of protective mucus.
A crucial factor for aspirin’s effectiveness is its ability to bind irreversibly to its target enzyme, a feature not shared by all NSAIDs.

Penicillin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928.
It functions by inhibiting the formation of peptidoglycan cross-links in the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell lysis and death.
Various types of penicillins have been developed. The first to be commercially produced was penicillin G (benzylpenicillin).
Notably, penicillin targets bacterial cells but not human cells as human cells do not have cell walls. This is an example of selective toxicity.
Some bacteria have developed resistance to penicillin. This happens when bacteria produce an enzyme called beta-lactamase, which inactivates penicillin.
Penicillin, while life-saving, can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. This can range from mild rashes to severe and life-threatening anaphylactic reactions.