What is Aspirin?
Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and perhaps one of the most used drugs in the world [1]. Aspirin was given as an analgesic drug for pain relief more than 100 years ago [2]. Aspirin acetylates proteins in a simple, non-enzymatic chemical reaction [3].
What does Aspirin do?
Aspirin is known to perform many functions. Its main physiological effect is the suppression of prostanoid synthesis by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which produce precursors of prostaglandins and thromboxanes [3, 4]. This makes aspirin an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and painkiller [3].
In addition to its analgesic properties, aspirin exerts powerful antiplatelet effects by diminishing the formation of thromboxane A2 and, therefore, the clotability of platelets [5]. This antiplatelet effect prevents cardiovascular diseases and reduces the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events [5].
Besides, other protective impacts of aspirin are identified. For example, aspirin has been proposed to have some anti-tumour effects against colorectal cancer [6]. Moreover, it is shown that aspirin can inhibit the migration of endothelial cells induced by activated platelets partly by sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), mediated by the endothelial S1P1 receptor [7].
Benefits of Aspirin
Aspirin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been widely used for over a century and has numerous health benefits.
Perhaps of greatest importance is the efficacy of aspirin in cardiovascular health, with users of the drug taking at least seven days a week and three out of four days showing a 32% reduction in the risk of nonfatal stroke and a 15% decrease in the risk of fatal vascular deaths [8]. Antiplatelet effects are a likely explanation for aspirin’s ability to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction. It has become a standard therapy for those with a previous history of cardiovascular disease [5, 9].
Aspirin has also been found to reduce the risk of cerebrovascular disease, decreasing the risk of ischemic stroke in various studies. The benefits outweigh its risk of causing hemorrhagic events [10].
Further supporting the idea that aspirin may benefit cardiovascular health, experiments with Drosophila flies have demonstrated that it can increase both healthy and extended lifespan [11].
Furthermore, aspirin is associated with increased resistance to viral infections, suggesting that it, too, might contribute to the antiviral response [12].
In addition, evidence supports the influence of aspirin on reducing the risk of some types of cancer [13, 6].
Still, although aspirin is potentially a wonder drug, it can cause side effects in the gastrointestinal tract, including bleeding. So don’t take aspirin without discussing it first with your physician [14].
Side Effects of Aspirin
Aspirin, a commonly used medication, can cause a variety of side effects. These can range from mild to severe, and the risk may increase with prolonged use or higher dosages.
Taking aspirin can also result in gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain [15, 1], including heartburn on occasion [15, 1].
Skin reactions can happen with aspirin, too. Mild reactions include hives or a rash, and if the person is very allergic, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue or throat [1].
Aspirin can cause changes in fluid and acid-base balance in some people, which affects how systems function. Symptoms include hoarseness, a rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, and cold and clammy skin [1].
Other less obvious sources of salicylate toxicity include the use of aspirin, which causes ringing in the ears and hearing loss as an early symptom [1].
Bleeding of the stomach is one of the more serious, but not uncommon, side effects of aspirin intake. You may get bloody vomit, coffee grounds vomit, bright red blood in stools, or tarry stools [1].
Aspirin can also cause reduced platelet function, potentially exacerbating blood clotting issues [16].
Sometimes, aspirin can cause headaches, muscle and joint pain, and tiredness [15].
In severe cases, aspirin can cause a serious rash, difficulty breathing, restlessness, weakness, dizziness, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and ear ringing [15].
It's important to note that these side effects are not exhaustive, and individuals may experience different side effects. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
How Long Does Aspirin Stay In Your System?
Aspirin has a half-life of a little less than four days – 3.7, to be precise – according to a study that harnessed a biochemical counting method for platelet lifespan. [17] It took 3.7 days to half flush the aspirin out of the test subject. But even before half of it is gone, the ‘body memories’ and ‘existential locations’ induced by that aspirin can still be in play.
For example, the inhibition of eicosanoid synthesis, which is involved in inflammation and crucial to many metabolic pathways, peaked 1 to 24 hours after aspirin ingestion. Full recovery was observed within 3 to 5 days [18].
Another study found that a single low-dose aspirin (81 mg) interrupted agglutination for at least eight days [19, 20]. This finding indicates that the effects of aspirin on platelets can persist after the aspirin has been excreted.
Although these periods and elimination sequences are average and depend on variables such as a person’s metabolic process, how often aspirin is used and what dosage it is. If you do have aspirin concerns about blood thinning or anything else, then it’s best to discuss it with a physician.