Aspirin

Question 1

Aspirin Class

Answer 1

Platelet Aggregator Inhibitor

Question 2

Aspirin Description

Answer 2

Anti-inflammatory agent and an inhibitor of platelet function.
Useful agent in the treatment of various thromboembolic diseases such as acute myocardial infarction

Question 3

Aspirin Presentation

Answer 3

300mg soluble tablet

Question 4

Aspirin Administration

Answer 4

Orally (PO) - if soluble, disperse in water. if non soluble, to be chewed.

Question 5

Aspirin Indications

Answer 5

Cardiac chest pain or suspected myocardial infarction
Management of Unstable Angina and Non ST-Elevation MI
Management of STEMI

Question 6

Aspirin Contraindications

Answer 6

Active symptomatic gastro-intestinal ulcer
Bleeding disorder (e.g. Haemophilia)
KSAR
Patients < 16 yrs old (risk of Reye’s Syndrome)

Question 7

Aspirin Dosages

Answer 7

Adult: 300mg

Paed: not indicated

Question 8

Aspirin Pharmacology

Answer 8

Antithrombotic
Inhibits the formation of thromboxane A2, which stimulates platelet aggregation and artery constriction.
This reduces clot/thrombus formation in an MI

Question 9

Aspirin Side Effects

Answer 9

Epigastric pain and discomfort
Bronchospasm
Gastrointestinal Haemorrhage
Increased Bleeding Time
Skin reactions in hypersensitive patients

Question 10

Aspirin Additional Info

Answer 10

Aspirin 300mg is indicated for cardiac chest pain regardless if patient is on anti-coagulants or is already on aspirin.
If the patient has swallowed an aspirin (enteric coated) preparation without chewing it, the patient should be regarded as not having taken any aspirin;
Administer Aspirin 300mg PO.