Aspirin

Question 1

What is the drug class of aspirin?

Answer 1

Antiplatelet - prevent blood clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation

Question 2

What is the presentation of aspirin?

Answer 2

300mg

Question 3

What is the pharmacology of aspirin?

Answer 3

Inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) which stops production of thromboxane A2 (helps the blood clot)

Question 4

What are the indications for aspirin?

Answer 4

Suspected ACS
Acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (APO)

Question 5

What are the 4 contraindications for using aspirin?

Answer 5

Allergy/Adverse drug reaction
Bleeding or clotting disorders (haemophilia)
Current GI bleeding or peptic ulcers
Patients <18yo

Question 6

What are the precautions of administration for aspirin?

Answer 6

Possible aortic aneurysm or condition requiring surgery
Pregnancy
History of GI bleeding or peptic ulcers
Concurrent anticoagulant therapy (warfarin)

Question 7

What are 5 potential side effects of aspirin?

Answer 7

Epigastric pain/discomfort
Nausea/vomiting
Gastritis
GI bleeding
NSAID induced bronchospasm

Question 8

What is the onset of aspirin?

Answer 8

10min (variable)

Question 9

What is the recommended dose of aspirin in ACS and APO?

Answer 9

300mg PO
Chewed abd followed by a small sip of water
Max 450mg daily

Question 10

When should aspirin be administered in suspected ACS or APO?

Answer 10

Following the initial dose of GTN (if indicated)

Question 11

What should be the aspirin dose for patients with suspected ACS or APO who have had less than 300mg of aspirin in the previous 24 hours?

Answer 11

Administer a dose of aspirin that equates to a total daily dose of 300-450mg