JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3el090
A 55-year-old person with a peptic ulcer has fever and needs a drug that is both analgesic and antipyretic. Which choice and reason are correct?
AAspirin, because its anti-clotting action seals the ulcer
BAspirin, because being an acid it acts as an antacid
CMorphine, because narcotics have no effect on the stomach and are free of dependence
DParacetamol, because aspirin lowers prostaglandins that help protect the stomach lining
Answer: D
Aspirin inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, and prostaglandins protect the gastric mucosa, so aspirin can aggravate an ulcer. Paracetamol is an analgesic-antipyretic that does not carry this problem. Morphine is habit forming.