Aspirin
 
Presentation
• 300mg chewable tablets
• 300mg soluble or water dispersible tablets
Pharmacology
• An analgesic, antipyretic, anti-infammatory and antiplatelet aggregation agent.
Actions
• Reduces platelet aggregation
• Inhibits synthesis of prostaglandins - anti-infammatory actions
Metabolism
• Converted to salicylate in the gut mucosa and liver, excreted mainly by the kidneys
Primary Emergency Indications
• To minimise platelet aggregation and thrombus formation in order to retard the progression of coronary artery thrombosis in acute coronary syndrome Adult
Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to aspirin/salicylates
• Actively bleeding peptic ulcers
• Bleeding disorders
• Suspected dissecting aortic aneurysm
• Chest pain associated with psychostimulant overdose if BP >160
Precautions
• Peptic ulcer
• Asthma
• Pts on anti-coagulants, e.g. Warfarin
Route of Administration
• Oral
Side Effects
• Heartburn, nausea, gastrointestinal bleeding
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Increased bleeding time
Special Notes
• Aspirin is contraindicated for use in acute febrile illness in children and adolescents
• The anti-platelet effects of Aspirin persist for the natural life of platelets
Therapeutic Effect
Onset:
Peak:
Duration:
8-10days
Further Reding Clinical Notes by Jeff Kenneally: Aspirin