Aspirin

TRADE NAME: ASA, Bufferin, Ecotrin, Empirin, etc.

CLASS: Platelet aggregate inhibitor, analgesic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), antipyretic
Description: Anti-inflammatory, inhibits platelet function
ACTIONS: Blocks platelet aggregation.
INDICATIONS: New-onset chest pain suggestive of MI signs and symptoms suggestive or recent CVA.
PHARMACOKINETICS:
Onset: 5 – 30 minutes
Peak Effect: 15 – 120 minutes
Duration: 1 – 4 hours
Half Life: 15 – 20 minutes
CONTRAINDICATIONS: GI bleed, ulcer, hemorrhagic stroke, bleeding disorders, kids with flu symptoms. Hypersensitivity to salicylates, relatively contraindicated in active ulcer disease & asthma.
May cause GI upset/bleeding. Administer cautiously to patients with bleeding disorders and those who report allergies to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs. Contraindicated in children 16 – 19 years of age with flu or chickenpox symptoms due to incidence of Reye’s syndrome.

SIDE EFFECTS:

• CV: Prolonged bleeding
• Resp: Wheezing, bronchspasm
• GI/GU: Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, GI bleeding

DOSAGE:
ADULT: 324 mg PO (4 x 81 mg chewable preferred) as soon as possible after onset of chest pain.
PEDIATRIC: Not recommended for use in the field with children.
ROUTE: PO