Aspirin

Question 1

What is aspirin?

Answer 1

Aspirin (tablet 300mg) is an antiplatelet medication which inhibits platelet aggregation.

Primarily excreted by the kidneys.

Onset: 10 min
Duration: 1 week
Half-life: 3.2 hrs

Question 2

Indications for aspirin?

Answer 2

1. Suspected ACS

2. Acute cardiopulmonary oedema (APO)

Question 3

Contraindications for aspirin?

Answer 3

1. Allergy/ADR to aspirin or any NSAID
2. Chest pain associated with psychostimulant OD
3. Bleeding or clotting disorders (e.g. haemophillia)
4. Current GI bleeding or peptic ulcers
5. Patients under 18yrs

Question 4

Precautions for aspirin?

Answer 4

1. Possible aortic aneurysm or any other condition that may require surgery
2. Pregnancy
3. History of GI bleeding or peptic ulcers
4. Concurrent anticoagulant therapy (e.g. warfarin)

Question 5

Side effects of aspirin?

Answer 5

1. Epigastric pain/discomfort
2. Nausea/vomiting
3. Gastritis
4. GI bleeding
5. NSAID induced bronchospasm

Question 6

What is the dose for aspirin?

Answer 6

300 mg PO

Chewed & swallowed with a small sip of water