Antiplatelets i.e. Aspirin Flashcards
What are the indications of aspirin?
cardiovascular disease (secondary prevention), management of unstable angina and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), management of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), suspected transient ischaemic attack, transient ischaemic attack (long-term treatment in combination with dipyridamole), ischaemic stroke not associated with atrial fibrillation (used alone or in combination with clopidogrel or dipyridamole), adult ischaemic stroke, atrial fibrillation following a disabling ischaemic stroke, following disabling ischaemic stoke in patients receiving anticoagulation for prosthetic heart valve and at risk of haemorrhagic transformation, following coronary bypass surgery, mild to moderate pain, pyrexia.
What are the contraindications of aspirin?
active peptic ulceration, bleeding disorders (antiplatelet dose), children under 16 years (risk of Reye’s syndrome), haemophilia, previous peptic ulceration (analgesic dose), severe cardiac failure (analgesic dose), history of hypersensitivity to aspirin or any other NSAID (including those in whom attacks of asthma, angioedema, urticaria, or rhinitis have been precipitated by aspirin or any other NSAID).
What is the mechanism of action of aspirin?
Aspirin irreversibly inactivates the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme by acting as an acetylating agent. This reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins in endothelial cells and thromboxanes in platelets, as COX is required for their synthesis. The overall effect is to reduce activation of platelets/clotting and therefore reduce the risk of arterial thrombi.
What are the common/very common unwanted side effects of aspirin?
bruising, dyspepsia/gastric irritation, haemorrhage, nose bleeds.
What is the patient/carer advice for aspirin?
inform patients of potential for increased bleeding and bruising.
