ASA (Aspirin)

Question 1

ASA (Aspirin): Classification

Answer 1

1. Antiplatelet
2. Antithrombotic
3. Aspirin falls under many other functional classifications

Question 2

ASA (Aspirin): Pharmacodynamic

Answer 2

1. Inhibits the formation of thromboxane A2 which is a potent platelet aggregate and vasoconstrictor

Question 3

ASA (Aspirin): Pharmacokinetics

Answer 3

1. Intravenous
   - Onset: 15 to 30 minutes
   - Peak: 1 to 2 hours
   - Duration: 4 to 6 hours

Question 4

ASA (Aspirin): Indications

Answer 4

1. Chest pain or atypical symptoms consistent with cardiac ischemia/AMI

Question 5

ASA (Aspirin): Contraindications

Answer 5

1. Allergy to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) agents. This includes man non-aspirin/non-Tylenol pain relievers such as Advil
2. Asthma (see special notes)
3. Recent head injury, stroke or acute bleeding (significant) of any kind
4. Paediatric patients with viral symptoms

Question 6

ASA (Aspirin): Precautions

Answer 6

1. Recent internal bleeding (witching last 3 months)
2. Known bleeding diseases
3. Patients currently taking anticoagulant agent(s)
4. Recent surgery
5. Possibility of pregnancy

Question 7

ASA (Aspirin): Dosage

Answer 7

1. 160 mg

2. Have the patient chew ASA before swallowing

Question 8

ASA (Aspirin): Pediatric

Answer 8

1. Contraindicated in pediatric patients with viral illness
2. Chest pain in children is unlikely to be ischemic in nature therefore ASA not indicated unless rare specific ischemic cardiac history

Question 9

ASA (Aspirin): Special Notes

Answer 9

1. ASA has been linked to Reye’s syndrome in children with a viral history such as chicken pox, or influenza
2. Asthma - contraindicated in patients who have experienced and exacerbation of their asthma after taking ASA