What is "salsalate"

n. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Salsalate is a medication that belongs to the salicylate and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) classes. Relative to other NSAIDs, salsalate has a weak inhibitory effect on the cyclooxygenase enzyme and decreases the production of several proinflammatory chemical signals such as interleukin-6, TNF-alpha, and C-reactive protein. The mechanism through which salsalate is thought to reduce the production of these inflammatory chemical signals is through the inhibition of IκB kinase resulting in decreased action of NF-κB genes. This mechanism is thought to be responsible for salsalate's insulin-sensitizing and blood sugar lowering properties. Salsalate is the generic name of a prescription drug marketed under the brandnames Mono-Gesic, Salflex, Disalcid, and Salsitab. Other generic and brand name formulations may be available.