Aspirin and Cox-2 inhibitors are two types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are commonly used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever. However, they differ in their effect on the stomach lining.

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) has been shown to irritate the stomach lining, increasing the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding [1]. This is because aspirin inhibits both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes, which are involved in the production of prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining [2].

On the other hand, Cox-2 inhibitors are a class of NSAIDs that specifically inhibit the COX-2 enzyme, which is primarily involved in inflammation and pain [3]. By selectively inhibiting COX-2, Cox-2 inhibitors have been found to have fewer gastrointestinal side effects, such as stomach ulcers and bleeding, compared to aspirin and other traditional NSAIDs [3].

However, it is important to note that Cox-2 inhibitors have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, compared to traditional NSAIDs [3]. Therefore, the use of Cox-2 inhibitors should be carefully considered and balanced against their potential risks and benefits.

In summary, aspirin has a greater effect on the stomach lining compared to Cox-2 inhibitors due to its non-selective inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. While Cox-2 inhibitors have fewer gastrointestinal side effects, they have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Sources:

[1] DrugPatentWatch. (n.d.). Aspirin. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ASPIRIN>

[2] Trelle, S., Reichenbach, S., Wandel, S., Hildebrand, P., Tschannen, B., & Villiger, P. M. (2011). Cardiovascular safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: network meta-analysis. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 342, d2935. <https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.d2935>

[3] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Cox-2 Inhibitors. Retrieved from <https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/23119-cox-2-inhibitors>