Aspirin is used as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and fever. A low dose of aspirin is also used for prevention of cardiovascular events including heart attack and stroke, which occurs secondary to blood clot formation. However, aspirin is a prodrug that needs to be bio-converted into an active drug, salicylic acid. Given that aspirin is chemically termed as acetyl salicylic acid, and salicylic acid is ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid, how would you best describe the bio-conversion reaction?

Chemistry on the PCAT includes general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.