Haematological (Anti-Platelet Drugs - Aspirin)

Question 1

Examples of drug (Anti-Platelet Drugs - Aspirin)

Answer 1

• Aspirin

Question 2

Mechanism of action (Anti-Platelet Drugs - Aspirin)

Answer 2

• Irreversible inactivation of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme.
• This reduces platelet thromboxane (TXA2) production and endothelial prostaglandin (PGI2) production.
• Reduced platelet thromboxane production reduces platelet aggregation and thrombus formation
• Reduced prostaglandin synthesis decreases nociceptive sensitisation and inflammation.

Question 3

Indications (Anti-Platelet Drugs - Aspirin)

Answer 3

• Secondary prevention of thrombotic events

- Pain relief

Question 4

Side effects (Anti-Platelet Drugs - Aspirin)

Answer 4

• Bleeding (<1% Patients)
• Peptic ulceration
• Angiooedema
• Bronchospasm
• Reye’s syndrome (very rare)

Question 5

Important pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (Anti-Platelet Drugs - Aspirin)

Answer 5

• Half life becomes longer with very large doses (pharmacokinetics may be non-linear in overdose

Question 6

Patient information (Anti-Platelet Drugs - Aspirin)

Answer 6

• Avoid over the counter preparations that contain aspirin.

- Some patients may be advised to take a Proton Pump Inhibitor alongside long-term aspirin.