Aspirin

Question 1

What class of drug is aspirin?

Answer 1

Cyclo-oxygenase 1 inhibitor

Question 2

What are the uses of aspirin?

Answer 2

• primary prevention of stroke, TIA
• secondary prevention of acute coronary syndromes
• AF patients post stroke
• post primary percutaneous coronary intervention (+ stent)
• NSTEMI/STEMI

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of aspirin?

Answer 3

Cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor
- inhibits COX 1 mediated production f thromboxane > reduces platelet aggregation
- higher dose inhibits endothelial prostacyclin

Question 4

What are adverse drug reactions of aspirin?

Answer 4

• GI irritation
• GI bleeding
• haemorrhage > stroke
• hypersensitivity

Question 5

What are important drug drug interactions of aspirin?

Answer 5

NSAIDs
Other antiplatelets + anticoagulants

Question 6

Why does aspirin not completely inhibit all platelet aggregation?

Answer 6

There are other platelet aggregators
Aspirin only inhibits COX1

Question 7

What are the doses of aspirin given?

Answer 7

75mg - baby aspirin
300mg

Question 8

How is aspirin given relating to NSTEMI/STEMI?

Answer 8

One 300mg loading dose chewable

Question 9

Why should aspirin not be given to those under 16?

Answer 9

Reyer’s syndrome
Risk of acute liver failure

Question 10

Why shouldn’t you give aspirin in 3rd trimester of pregnancy?

Answer 10

Premature closure of ductus arteriosus