Question | Answer |
Trade names | Aspro, Disprin, Solprin, Astrix |
Chemical name | Acetylsalicylic acid |
Therapeutic class | NSAID/antipyretic |
Pharmaceutical class | Salicylates |
Indications | Inflammatory conditions: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis Fever Mild - Mod pain Prophylaxis of transient ischaemic attacks and MI |
Action | Produces analgesia and reduces inflammation by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins Also decreases platelet aggregation |
Therapeutic effects | Analgesia, reduction of inflammation and fever, decrease in transient ischaemic attacks and MI |
Pharmacokinetics (absorption) | Well absorbed from the upper small intestine. Enteric (SR) absorption may be unreliable. Rectal absorption is slow & variable. |
Pharmacokinetics (Distribution) | Rapidly & widely distributed, crossing the placenta and entering the breast milk |
Pharmacokinetics (metabolism & excretion) | Extensively metabolised by the liver, inactive metabolites excreted by the kidneys |
Pharmacokinetics (half-life) | 2 -3 hours for low doses, 15 - 30 hours for high doses where the liver reaches saturation |
Contraindications/precaution | Hypersensitivity to aspirin or other salicylates Bleeding disorders or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) History of GI bleeding or ulcer disease History of asthma |
Adverse reactions or side effects | ENT: tinnitus, GIT: bleeding, dyspepsia, N + V, epigastric distress, abdo pain. HEP: hepatotoxicity HAEM: anemia, hemolysis SKIN: rash, urticaria |
Assessment | Pain & fever Lab tests: monitor hepatic function if signs of hepatotoxicity occur or if long term therapy is undertaken |
Education | Advise patient to report: tinnitus, unusual bleeding or bruising, black tarry stools or fever > 3 days |
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