Aspirin

• (a) Aspirin
•      Acetylsalicylic Acid
•      ASA
•      Bayer
• (b) Anticoagulant
•      Analgesic

Inhibits the aggregation of platelets     Prolongs bleeding time

• (a) Suspected myocardial infarction
•      Suspected myocardial ischemia
•      Signs and Symptoms of recent stroke
• (b) Active gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers
•      Hypersensitivity/Allergy
•      Acute Asthma

• Gastrointestinal
•      -Bleeding
•      -Heartburn
•      -Epigastric pain
•      -Nausea/Vomit
• Cardiovascular
•      -Prolonged bleeding time
•      -Alters platelet aggregation
• Respiratory
•      -Wheezing

160-325 mg PO chewed and swallowed

Not recommended

• (a) 5-30 mins
• (b) 1-4 hrs (24 hr anticoagulant effect)

• Use with caution in patients who have
•        preexisting:
•      -ulcer or liver disease
•      -bleeding disorders
•      -patients taking anticoagulant
•       medications such as Coumadin

Aspirin should be chewed and swallowed      for faster systemic absorption and to       decrease potential gastric distress