Acetylsalicylic Acid Flashcards
Trade name
Aspirin, ASA,
Bayer, Bayer Advanced Aspirin,
Easprin, Ecotrin, Empirin, Genprin,
Halfprin 81,
Heartline, Norwich,
St. Joseph, ZORprin
Generic name
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
Class of drug
Analgesic (nonopioid)
Anti-inflammatory (non steroidal)
Antiplatelet
Antipyretic
Antirheumatic
NSAID
Salicylate
Usual dosage
81-325 mg daily for antiplatelet (low dose) use.
How administered
Available in oral and suppository forms. Also
available as chewable tablets, gum; enteric
coated, SR, and buffered preparations (SR
aspirin is not recommended for antipyresis,
short-term analgesia, or children younger than 12 years)
Action
Reduces pain and inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin production.
Fever reduction mechanism unknown; may be linked to decrease in endogenous pyrogens in hypothalamus resulting from prostaglandin inhibition.
Exerts antiplatelet effect by inhibiting synthesis of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2
Complications/precautions
Watch for signs and symptoms of
hypersensitivity and other adverse
reactions, especially bleeding tendency.
● Stay alert for signs and symptoms of
acute toxicity, such as diplopia, ECG
abnormalities, generalized seizures,
hallucinations, hyperthermia, oliguria,
acute renal failure, incoherent speech,
irritability, restlessness, tremor, vertigo,
confusion, disorientation, mania,
lethargy, laryngeal edema, anaphylaxis,
and coma.
22 acitretin
● Monitor elderly patients carefully
because they’re at greater risk for sali-
cylate toxicity.
● With prolonged therapy, frequently
assess hemoglobin, hematocrit, Inter-
national Normalized Ratio, and kidney
function test results.
● Check salicylate blood levels
frequently.
● Evaluate patient for signs and symp-
toms of ototoxicity (hearing loss, tinni-
tus, ataxia, and vertigo).
Nursing considerations
Monitor for signs of GI bleeding, avoid use with anticoagulants. Pt report if: hematemesis, black-tarry stools, epistaxis (nose bleed), vomitingblood, hematuria, bleeding gums, unusual bruising or red pin point spots on skin. Bloodinwine
Adverse effects
GI ulcers, bleeding, tinnitus, GI upset, and rash.
What is it used for
Pain relief, antiplatelet (cardiovascular protection), fever, mild to moderate pain, inflammation, MI, CVA (Cerebral Vascular Accident AKA Stroke).
Interaction
Increased bleeding risk with anticoagulants, alcohol. Pt must take with food or after meals!
