aspirin

(ass' pir in)

Apo-ASA (CAN), Aspergum, Bayer, Easprin, Ecotrin, Empirin, Entrophen
(CAN), Genprin, Halfprin 81, 1/2 Halfprin, Heartline, Norwich, Novasen
(CAN), PMS-ASA (CAN), ZORprin
Buffered aspirin products:
Alka-Seltzer, Ascriptin, Asprimox, Bufferin, Buffex, Magnaprin

Pregnancy Category D

Drug classes
Antipyretic
Analgesic (nonopioid)
Anti-inflammatory
Antirheumatic
Antiplatelet
Salicylate
NSAID

Therapeutic actions
Analgesic and antirheumatic effects are attributable to aspirin's ability to inhibit the
synthesis of prostaglandins, important mediators of inflammation. Antipyretic effects are
not fully understood, but aspirin probably acts in the thermoregulatory center of the
hypothalamus to block effects of endogenous pyrogen by inhibiting synthesis of the
prostaglandin intermediary. Inhibition of platelet aggregation is attributable to the
inhibition of platelet synthesis of thromboxane A2, a potent vasoconstrictor and inducer of
platelet aggregation. This effect occurs at low doses and lasts for the life of the platelet (8
days). Higher doses inhibit the synthesis of prostacyclin, a potent vasodilator and
inhibitor of platelet aggregation.

Indications
• Mild to moderate pain
• Fever
• Inflammatory conditions—rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis
• Reduction of risk of recurrent TIAs or stroke in males with history of TIA due to
fibrin platelet emboli
• Reduction of risk of death or nonfatal MI in patients with history of infarction or
unstable angina pectoris
• MI prophylaxis
• Unlabeled use: Prophylaxis against cataract formation with long-term use

Contraindications and cautions

• Allergy to salicylates or NSAIDs (more common with nasal polyps, asthma,
chronic urticaria); allergy to tartrazine (cross-sensitivity to aspirin is common);
hemophilia, bleeding ulcers, hemorrhagic states, blood coagulation defects,
hypoprothrombinemia, vitamin K deficiency (increased risk of bleeding)
 • Use cautiously with impaired renal function; chickenpox, influenza (risk of Reye's
syndrome in children and teenagers); children with fever accompanied by
dehydration; surgery scheduled within 1 wk; pregnancy (maternal anemia,
antepartal and postpartal hemorrhage, prolonged gestation, and prolonged labor
have been reported; readily crosses the placenta; possibly teratogenic; maternal
ingestion of aspirin during late pregnancy has been associated with the following
adverse fetal effects: low birth weight, increased intracranial hemorrhage,
stillbirths, neonatal death); lactation.

Available forms
Tablets—81, 165, 325, 500, 650, 975 mg; SR tablets—650, 800 mg; suppositories—120,
200, 300, 600 mg

Dosages
Available in oral and suppository forms. Also available as chewable tablets, gum; enteric
coated, sustained-release, and buffered preparations (sustained-release aspirin is not
recommended for antipyresis, short-term analgesia, or children < 12 yr.)
ADULTS
• Minor aches and pains: 325–650 mg q 4 hr.
• Arthritis and rheumatic conditions: 3.2–6 g/day in divided doses.
• Acute rheumatic fever: 5–8 g/day; modify to maintain serum salicylate level of
15–30 mg/dL.
• TIAs in men:1,300 mg/day in divided doses (650 mg bid or 325 mg qid).
• MI prophylaxis: 75–325 mg/day.
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
• Analgesic and antipyretic: 65 mg/kg per 24 hr in four to six divided doses, not to
exceed 3.6 g/day. Dosage recommendations by age:
Age (yr) Dosage
(mg q 4 hr)
2–3 162
4–5 243
6–8 324
9–10 405
11 486
≥ 12 648
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: 60–110 mg/kg per 24 hr in divided doses at 4– to
6–hr intervals. Maintain a serum level of 200–300 mcg/mL.
• Acute rheumatic fever: Initially, 100 mg/kg/day, then decrease to 75 mg/kg/day
for 4–6 wk. Therapeutic serum salicylate level is 15–30 mg/dL.
• Kawasaki disease: 80–180 mg/kg/day; very high doses may be needed during
acute febrile period; after fever resolves, dosage may be adjusted to 10 mg/kg/day.

Pharmacokinetics
Route Onset Peak Duration
Oral 5–30 min 0.25–2 hr 3–6 hr
Rectal 1–2 hr 4–5 hr 6–8 hr
Metabolism: Hepatic (salicylate); T1/2: 15 min–12 hr
Distribution: Crosses placenta; enters breast milk
Excretion: Urine

Adverse effects
• Acute aspirin toxicity: Respiratory alkalosis, hyperpnea, tachypnea, hemorrhage,
excitement, confusion, asterixis, pulmonary edema, seizures, tetany, metabolic
acidosis, fever, coma, CV collapse, renal and respiratory failure (dose related 20–
25 g in adults, 4 g in children)
• Aspirin intolerance: Exacerbation of bronchospasm, rhinitis (with nasal polyps,
asthma, rhinitis)
• GI: Nausea, dyspepsia, heartburn, epigastric discomfort, anorexia, hepatotoxicity
• Hematologic: Occult blood loss, hemostatic defects
• Hypersensitivity: Anaphylactoid reactions to anaphylactic shock
• Salicylism: Dizziness, tinnitus, difficulty hearing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
mental confusion, lassitude (dose related)

Interactions
Drug-drug
• Increased risk of bleeding with oral anticoagulants, heparin
• Increased risk of GI ulceration with steroids, phenylbutazone, alcohol, NSAIDs
• Increased serum salicylate levels due to decreased salicylate excretion with urine
acidifiers (ammonium chloride, ascorbic acid, methionine)
• Increased risk of salicylate toxicity with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors,
furosemide
• Decreased serum salicylate levels with corticosteroids
• Decreased serum salicylate levels due to increased renal excretion of salicylates
with acetazolamide, methazolamide, certain antacids, alkalinizers
• Decreased absorption of aspirin with nonabsorbable antacids
• Increased methotrexate levels and toxicity with aspirin
• Increased effects of valproic acid secondary to displacement from plasma protein
sites
• Greater glucose lowering effect of sulfonylureas, insulin with large doses (> 2
g/day) of aspirin
• Decreased antihypertensive effect of captopril, beta-adrenergic blockers with
salicylates; consider discontinuation of aspirin
• Decreased uricosuric effect of probenecid, sulfinpyrazone
• Possible decreased diuretic effects of spironolactone, furosemide (in patients with
compromised renal function)
• Unexpected hypotension may occur with nitroglycerin
Drug-lab test
• Decreased serum protein bound iodine (PBI) due to competition for binding sites
• False-negative readings for urine glucose by glucose oxidase method and copper
reduction method with moderate to large doses of aspirin
 • Interference with urine 5-HIAA determinations by fluorescent methods but not by
nitrosonaphthol colorimetric method
• Interference with urinary ketone determination by the ferric chloride method
• Falsely elevated urine VMA levels with most tests; a false decrease in VMA using
the Pisano method

Nursing considerations
Assessment
• History: Allergy to salicylates or NSAIDs; allergy to tartrazine; hemophilia,
bleeding ulcers, hemorrhagic states, blood coagulation defects,
hypoprothrombinemia, vitamin K deficiency; impaired hepatic function; impaired
renal function; chickenpox, influenza; children with fever accompanied by
dehydration; surgery scheduled within 1 wk; pregnancy; lactation
• Physical: Skin color, lesions; temperature; eighth cranial nerve function,
orientation, reflexes, affect; P, BP, perfusion; R, adventitious sounds; liver
evaluation, bowel sounds; CBC, clotting times, urinalysis, stool guaiac, renal and
liver function tests

Interventions
• Give drug with food or after meals if GI upset occurs.
• Give drug with full glass of water to reduce risk of tablet or capsule lodging in the
esophagus.
• Do not crush, and ensure that patient does not chew sustained-release
preparations.
• Do not use aspirin that has a strong vinegar-like odor.
• Institute emergency procedures if overdose occurs: gastric lavage, induction of
emesis, activated charcoal, supportive therapy.

Teaching points
• Take extra precautions to keep this drug out of the reach of children; this drug can
be very dangerous for children.
• Use the drug only as suggested; avoid overdose. Avoid the use of other over-the-
counter drugs while taking this drug. Many of these drugs contain aspirin, and
serious overdose can occur.
• Take the drug with food or after meals if GI upset occurs.
• Do not cut, crush, or chew sustained-release products.
• Over-the-counter aspirins are equivalent. Price does not reflect effectiveness.
• These side effects may occur: Nausea, GI upset, heartburn (take drug with food);
easy bruising, gum bleeding (related to aspirin's effects on blood clotting).
• Report ringing in the ears; dizziness, confusion; abdominal pain; rapid or difficult
breathing; nausea, vomiting.

Adverse effects in Italic are most common; those in Bold are life-threatening.