Aspirin

Question 1

What type of drug is aspirin?

Answer 1

Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drug

Question 2

What are the actions of aspirin?

Answer 2

1. Inhibits platelet function (for up to 7 days)

2. Suppresses inflammation, reduces fever, relieves pain and is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small bowel

Question 3

What is the indication for aspirin?

Answer 3

Suspected myocardial ischaemia, reducing platelet aggregation and limiting clot development

Question 4

What are the adverse effects of aspirin

Answer 4

1. Allergic reactions (asthma, angioneurotic oedema, uticaria, rhinitis, shock)
2. Aggrevation of bleeding tendencies
3. Gastric irritation (unlikely with 1 tablet)

Question 5

What are the 4 contraindications for aspirin?

Answer 5

1. KSAR
2. Known or suspected active bleeding
3. Known bleeding tendency
4. Chest pain associated with psychostimulant overdose (due to increased risk of cerebral haemorrhage

Question 6

What is the dose of aspirin for adult patients?

Answer 6

300mg

Question 7

What is the dose of aspirin if the patient is on warfarin

Answer 7

150mg