Aspirin Flashcards
Presentation & dosage of Aspirin?
300 milligrams in tablet form, dispersible or chewable
Indications of Aspirin?
Clinical or ECG evidence is suggestive of myocardial infarction or ischaemia
What is myocardial infarction? (MI)
a heart attack
When does myocardial infarction occur?
occurs when blood flow decreases or stops to a part of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle.
Actions of Aspirin?
Has an anti-platelet action which reduces clot formation
Contra-indications of Aspirin?
Known Aspirin allergy or sensitivity Children under 16 years Active gastrointestinal bleeding Haemophilia or other known clotting diseases Severe hepatic disease
Cautions of Aspirin?
As the likely benefits of a single 300 milligram Aspirin outweigh the potential risks, Aspirin may be given to patients with: Asthma Pregnancy Kidney or liver failure Gastric or duodenal ulcer Current treatment with anticoagulants
What are anticoagulants?
medicines that prevent the blood from clotting as quickly or as effectively as normal.
Some people call anticoagulants blood thinners. However, the blood is not actually made any thinner - it just does not clot so easily
Side effects of Aspirin?
Increased risk of gastric bleeding
Wheezing in some asthmatics
Can Aspirin be administered again if a suspected previous dose has already been taken?
Yes
Why shouldn’t Aspirin be given to anyone under the age of 16
May precipitate Reye’s syndrome
A very rare syndrome that occurs in young children, damaging the liver and the brain.
Has a mortality rate of 50%.
Route of Aspirin?
Oral - chewed or dissolved in water
Initial dose of aspirin?
300 milligrams
Can a repeated dose of aspirin be given?
No
Dose interval of aspirin?
n/a
