Acetylsalicylic Acid

Question 1

Generic name for aspirin?

Answer 1

acetylsalicylic acid

Question 2

Trade Names (4) for acetylsalicylic acid?

Answer 2

Novasen (canada), Aspirin, ASA, Bufferin

Question 3

ASA drug Classification?

Answer 3

salicylate, antiplatelet, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, non-opioid analgesic

Question 4

How is ASA supplied?

Answer 4

80 or 81 mg, 325 mg, 500 mg, 650 mg tabs

Question 5

MOA for ASA?

Answer 5

Anticoagulant: at low doses, appears to impede clotting by inhibiting the enzyme COX-1 and prostaglandin synthesis, which prevents formation of platelet-aggregating substance thromboxane A2 (this is irreversible and can prolong
bleeding time).

Question 6

Indications for ASA?

Answer 6

Acute coronary syndromes suggestive of an acute myocardial infarction

Question 7

Dose for ASA?

Answer 7

160-325 mg (chewed and swallow-by patient!)

*Note: May be given even if patient has taken ASA prior to incident

Question 8

Contraindications (3) to use of ASA?

Answer 8

1. Hypersensitivity to ASA and NSAIDS
2. Active GI Bleed
3. NSAIDs (except for aspirin), both non-selective as well as COX-2 selective agents, should not be administered during hospitalization for STEMI because of the increased risk of mortality, reinfarction, hypertension, heart failure, and myocardial rupture associated with their use.

Question 9

Precautions for ASA use?

Answer 9

❑ Active ulcer disease (Aspirin suppository recommended)
❑ Asthma (may induce bronchospasm- Ask these patients if they have taken Aspirin before)
❑ Bleeding disorders (hemophilia, von Willebrand’s disease)
❑ Impaired renal and hepatic function
❑ Children and adolescents with viral infections (May increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome)

Question 10

notable remarks (ASA)

Answer 10

❑ Non-enteric chewable or soluble aspirin should be used

❑ The effects of a single dose of aspirin persist for the life of the platelet (about 8 days).