Chemistry
The Role of Functional Groups in Determining Drug–Receptor Interactions
Quick fact
Aspirin's anti-inflammatory power comes from an acetyl group; removing it yields salicylic acid, which is harsher on the stomach. That single functional group makes a major difference in receptor selectivity and side effects.
Why this is interesting
You've probably noticed that many medicines have similar-sounding names. But did you know that changing just one small chemical group on a drug—like swapping a hydrogen for a methyl—can turn a life-saving therapy into a compound that does next to nothing?