What are the side effects of aspirin?

Mar 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Bai Hongmei

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, aspirin includes various dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, and powders. Its possible side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic reactions, hearing loss, liver and kidney function damage, and gastrointestinal bleeding. When taking aspirin long-term and in high doses, regular monitoring of liver and kidney function, hematocrit, and serum salicylate levels should be conducted to ensure safe medication use.

Generally, aspirin includes various dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, and powders. Its potential side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic reactions, hearing loss, liver and kidney function damage, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Aspirin directly irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa and inhibits the synthesis of protective prostaglandins in the gastric mucosa, causing the mucosa to lose its protective barrier and become susceptible to acid erosion. It can also affect normal gastrointestinal motility. Patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, epigastric discomfort, or pain.

2. Allergic Reaction

Some patients may be allergic to aspirin. The immune system may recognize aspirin as a foreign antigen, triggering an immune response, producing antibodies that bind to the antigen, activating inflammatory cells, and releasing inflammatory mediators, leading to skin allergy symptoms. Mild swelling may occur, commonly seen on the face, neck, and limbs.

3. Hearing Loss

Aspirin may affect blood circulation and nerve function in the inner ear, damaging the inner ear hair cells, thereby causing tinnitus and possibly hearing impairment, along with decreased sensitivity to sounds. This side effect is usually related to the dosage, with higher doses increasing the likelihood of occurrence.

4. Liver and Kidney Function Damage

Aspirin is mainly metabolized in the liver and excreted through the kidneys. Long-term or high-dose use of aspirin increases the burden on the liver and kidneys, affecting their function. The drug may interfere with the normal metabolic processes of hepatocytes and renal tubular cells, leading to cellular damage and dysfunction.

5. Gastrointestinal Bleeding

As the damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa caused by aspirin worsens, blood vessels in the stomach or duodenum may rupture. Patients may vomit blood, which may appear bright red or dark red, accompanied by black stools or bloody stools. When the bleeding volume is large, symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, fatigue, and pallor may occur due to shock.

Before taking aspirin, one should fully understand its side effects and precautions and use the medication rationally under the guidance of a physician. When taking aspirin long-term or in high doses, regular monitoring of liver and kidney function, hematocrit, and serum salicylate levels should be conducted to ensure safe medication use.

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Can I keep the baby if I get pregnant while taking aspirin?

In general, whether a pregnancy can be continued after taking aspirin depends on the specific circumstances and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If there are concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly and undergo appropriate examinations, with assessment and guidance provided by a specialist physician. Discontinue aspirin immediately and avoid taking other medications without medical supervision. Maintain a light yet nutritious diet, and consume more foods rich in folic acid, such as leafy greens and legumes. Ensure adequate rest.