Tag: Cox inhibition

Millions of people worldwide take low-dose aspirin for its cardiovascular benefits, but its role in actively reducing arterial inflammation is a more complex topic. While its primary and most well-known effect is preventing blood clots, aspirin's anti-inflammatory properties also play a significant role in mitigating the progression of diseases like atherosclerosis.

Research has shown that while aspirin permanently inhibits platelet function by acetylating the COX enzyme, other non-aspirin salicylates cause only a temporary, reversible effect. This critical distinction helps explain how do salicylates affect platelets and the varying impact on bleeding risk.

While most nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are reversible inhibitors of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, a key outlier, aspirin, acts irreversibly and has a uniquely long-lasting effect, especially on platelets. Understanding whether NSAIDs are reversible or irreversible is critical for grasping their different clinical applications and safety profiles.