Another boost for aspirin? (Pharmaceuticals & Fine Chemicals).(Pain relievers may have antiviral potential)(Brief Article)

Chemical Week, March, 2002

Pain relievers such as aspirin may have antiviral indications, says a study by Princeton University (Princeton, NJ) and the University of Medicine and Dentistry (Newark, NJ). Viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes infections increase levels of prostaglandins, which cause pain, fever, and inflammation.

Aspirin and similar cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors block prostaglandins production and relieve the associated symptoms. The study suggests that COX-2 inhibitors may also prevent virus production.