Aspirin

Question 0

Drug classification

Answer 0

Anticoagulant

Question 1

Other name

Answer 1

Acetylsalicylic acid = ASA

Question 2

Actions (2)

Answer 2

1. inhibits the aggregation (clumping) of platelets

2. Prolongs bleeding time

Question 3

Indication

Answer 3

Inhibit platelet aggregation in suspected myocardial ischemia

Question 4

Contraindication (2)

Answer 4

1. Activate gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer disease

2. Hemorrhagic stroke

Question 5

Adverse effects - cardiovascular (2)

Answer 5

1. Prolonged bleeding time

2. Alteration of platelet aggregation

Question 6

Adverse effects - gastrointestinal (4)

Answer 6

1. Bleeding
2. Heartburn
3. Epigastric pain
4. Nausea/vomiting

Question 7

Administration

Answer 7

81-324 mg PO (=1-4 tablets)

Question 8

Pediatrics

Answer 8

Not recommended

Question 9

Onset

Answer 9

5-30 minutes

Question 10

Duration

Answer 10

24 hours (as an anticoagulant)

3-6 hours (as an analgesic)

Question 11

Precautions

Obtain medical history

Answer 11

Rationale

Interferes with platelet aggregation mechanism and prolongs bleeding time. Use with caution in patients who have pre-existing ulcer, or liver disease or bleeding disorders or who take Coumadin

There is a high risk of ASA allergies in patients who have asthma and nasal polyps

Administer regardless of whether patients is on anticoagulants or has taken aspirin prior to EMS arrival

Question 12

Precaution

Ask the patient to chew the tablet(s)

Answer 12

Rationale

Chewed ASA provides faster absorption and decreases gastric distress

Question 13

Precaution

Administer as soon as possible in MI

Answer 13

Rationale

Interferes in platelets aggregation and may minimize the size of the blood clots and thereby minimize heart damage.

Question 14

How supplied

Answer 14

81mg chewable tablets in 50 tablet container

Question 15

806

Answer 15

162-325mg, chewable