Which of the following is a non-acetylated salicylate?

Salsalate is indeed classified as a non-acetylated salicylate. Non-acetylated salicylates are a group of medications that are chemically related to salicylic acid but do not contain the acetyl group that characterizes drugs like aspirin. This difference in chemical structure leads to a distinct profile in terms of their pharmacological properties and potential side effects.

Salsalate functions primarily as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent but lacks the same gastrointestinal irritability commonly associated with aspirin due to the absence of the acetyl group, making it a preferable option for patients who are sensitive to traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This additional safety profile can be advantageous in managing pain and inflammation, ultimately leading to better patient compliance.

In contrast, aspirin is an acetylated salicylate, while oxaprozin is a traditional NSAID and celecoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor. Each of these alternatives is associated with different mechanisms of action and risk profiles compared to non-acetylated salicylates like salsalate.