Aspirin

Question 1

Presentation

Answer 1

300mg chewable tablets

300mg soluble or water dispersible tablets

Question 2

Pharmacology

Answer 2

An analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet aggregation agent.
Actions:
- to minimise platelet aggregation and thrombus formation in order to retard the progression of coronary artery thrombosis in ACS
- inhibits synthesis of prostaglandins- inflammatory actions

Question 3

Metabolism

Answer 3

Converted to salicylate in the gut mucosa and liver; excreted mainly by the kidneys

Question 4

Primary emergency indications

Answer 4

1. ACS

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

1. hypersensitiviy to aspirin/salicylates
2. actively bleeding peptic ulcers
3. bleeding disorders
4. suspected dissecting aortic aneurysm
5. chest pain associated with pyschostimulant OD if SBP>160mmHg

Question 6

Precautions

Answer 6

1. peptic ulcer
2. asthma
3. patients on anticoagulants

Question 7

Route of administration

Answer 7

Oral

Question 8

Side effects

Answer 8

• Heartburn, nausea, gastrointestinal bleeding
• increased bleeding time
• hypersensitivity reactions

Question 9

Special notes

Answer 9

Aspirin is C/I for use in acute febrile illness in children and adolescents.
The anti-platelet effects of aspirin persist for the natural life of platelets.
Onset: n/a
Peak: n/a
Duration: 8-10 days