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Drugs Dictionary: Aspirin

Aspirin

Trade Name

Bayer Aspirin (common brand name); also available as generic acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).

Classification

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID); analgesic, antipyretic, antiplatelet, and anti-inflammatory.

Dosage/Route

  • * Dosage: Tablets in 81 mg (low-dose), 325 mg (regular strength); enteric-coated options available
  • * Route: Oral (PO); rectal suppositories also exist but are less common

Usual Dosage

  • * Pain/Fever: 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours; max 4000 mg/day (4 g)
  • * Antiplatelet (e.g., MI prevention): 81-325 mg once daily
  • * Children: Avoid unless prescribed (risk of Reye’s syndrome); historically 10-15 mg/kg/dose

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis. This decreases pain, inflammation, and fever. Irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation (antiplatelet effect lasts 7-10 days).

Side Effects & Adverse Effects

  • * Side Effects: Nausea, heartburn, stomach upset
  • * Adverse Effects:
    •      – GI bleeding/ulcers (due to mucosal irritation)
    •      – Bleeding risk (prolonged bleeding time)
    •      – Reye’s syndrome in children with viral infections (rare, serious)
    •      – Salicylate toxicity (tinnitus, hyperventilation, confusion at high doses)

Nursing Management (Implications & Teachings)

  • Implications:
    •      – Monitor for bleeding signs (e.g., black stools, bruising)
    •      – Assess hearing (tinnitus = early toxicity sign)
    •      – Avoid in children <16 with flu-like symptoms (Reye’s risk)
    •      – Check for NSAID allergies or asthma (risk of bronchospasm)
  • Teachings:
    •      – Take with food or milk to reduce GI upset.
    •      – Report tinnitus, dark stools, or unusual bleeding
    •      – Avoid alcohol (increases GI bleed risk)
    •      – Stop 5-7 days before surgery (if directed) due to antiplatelet effect

Indication for This Patient

  • * Mild to moderate pain (e.g., headache, arthritis)
  • * Fever reduction
  • * Cardiovascular prevention (e.g., post-MI, stroke risk; low-dose 81 mg)
  • * Inflammation (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis at higher doses)

Time

  • * Timing: Every 4-6 hours for pain/fever; once daily for antiplatelet use.
  • * Onset: Pain relief/fever reduction in 30 minutes; peak in 1-2 hours.
  • * Antiplatelet effect: Starts within hours, lasts 7-10 days.

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