Aspirin

Question 1

What type of medication is Aspirin?

Answer 1

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory.

Question 2

What are the actions of Aspirin?

Answer 2

It inhibits platelet aggregation thereby limiting thrombus enlargement in acute coronary syndrome.

It reduces production of prostaglandins thereby relieving pain and fever.

Question 3

What is the route, onset, peak and duration for Aspirin?

Answer 3

Route: PO
Onset: 2-10 min
Peak: N/A
Duration: 3-6 hrs

Question 4

What are the potential adverse effects of Aspirin?

Answer 4

Gastric Irritation (unlikely to be significant)
Allergic reaction
Bleeding may take longer to stop
Aggravation of any bleeding tendency

Question 5

What are the contraindications of Aspirin?

Answer 5

Patients < 16 yrs of age
Allergy or hypersensitivity to aspirin
Patients meeting protocol T1 trauma criteria
Active, suspected or known bleeding tendency

Question 6

What is the preparation of Aspirin?

Answer 6

One 300mg tablet

Question 7

Can Aspirin be administered to patients who regularly take aspirin and/or warfarin already?

Answer 7

Aspirin administration is not contraindicated in patients with regular daily use of aspirin and/or warfarin.

Question 8

What is the dose of Aspirin for patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome?

Answer 8

For patients 16 yrs or older, one 300mg tablet chewed and swallowed (may be taken with a small amount of water if required), max dose 300mg.