Which of the following damages gastric mucosa if taken along with alcohol?

Options

A. Aspirin
B. Hashish
C. Valium
D. Barbiturate

Answer

To determine which substance damages the gastric mucosa when taken with alcohol, we can analyze the options provided:

1. **Aspirin**: Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. When taken with alcohol, aspirin can increase the risk of gastric mucosal damage. This is because aspirin inhibits the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, which is essential for the production of protective mucus in the stomach lining. Prolonged use of aspirin, especially in conjunction with alcohol, can lead to erosion of the gastric mucosa, resulting in ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.

2. **Hashish**: Hashish is a drug derived from cannabis. When combined with alcohol, it may impair coordination and judgment, but it does not specifically damage the gastric mucosa.

3. **Valium**: Valium (diazepam) is a sedative that can enhance the depressant effects of alcohol. While it can cause sedation and impair cognitive function, it does not directly harm the gastric mucosa.

4. **Barbiturate**: Similar to Valium, barbiturates are central nervous system depressants. They can also increase the sedative effects of alcohol but do not have a direct impact on the gastric mucosa.

Based on this analysis, the substance that damages the gastric mucosa when taken with alcohol is **Aspirin**.

### Step-by-Step Solution:
1. **Identify the substances**: List the options given: Aspirin, Hashish, Valium, Barbiturate.
2. **Analyze the effects of each substance with alcohol**:
- Aspirin: Increases risk of gastric mucosal damage.
- Hashish: Impairs coordination and judgment.
- Valium: Enhances sedative effects.
- Barbiturate: Increases sedative effects.
3. **Focus on gastric mucosa damage**: Determine which substance specifically harms the gastric mucosa when combined with alcohol.
4. **Conclude**: Identify that Aspirin is the substance that damages the gastric mucosa when taken with alcohol.