Complaint
Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is a medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation.[3] Specific inflammatory conditions in which it is used include Kawasaki disease, pericarditis, and rheumatic fever. Aspirin given shortly after a heart attack decreases the risk of death. Aspirin is also used long-term to help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in people at high risk.[3] Aspirin may also decrease the risk of certain types of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer.[4] For pain or fever, effects typically begin within 30 minutes.[3] Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and works similar to other NSAIDs but also suppresses the normal functioning of platelets.[3]
Common side effects include an upset stomach. More significant side effects include stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, and worsening asthma. Bleeding risk is greater among those who are older, drink alcohol, take other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or are on blood thinners. Aspirin is not recommended in the last part of pregnancy. It is not generally recommended in children with infections because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. High doses may result in ringing in the ears.
Composition
Each tablet contains Acetylsalicylic Acid (aspirin) BP 500mg.
Indications
Analgesic,antipyretic and niti-inflammatory.
Medical use
Aspirin is used in the treatment of a number of conditions, including fever, pain, rheumatic fever, and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, pericarditis, and Kawasaki disease.[13] Lower doses of aspirin have also shown to reduce the risk of death from a heart attack, or the risk ofstroke in some circumstances.[14][15][16] There is some evidence that aspirin is effective at preventing colorectal cancer, though the mechanisms of this effect are unclear.[17] In the United States low dose aspirin is deemed reasonable in those between 50 and 70 years old who have a more than 10% risk of cardiovascular disease and are not at an increased risk of bleeding who are otherwise healthy.
Dosage and Administration
Adults: 1 to 2 tablets, with halfat glass of water every 4 to 6 hours when necessary for not more than 10 days. Do not exceed 7 tablets in 24 hours inless directed by a physician.
Chlidren: Do not administer to children under 2 years of age unless directed by the physician.
2 years:1/8 tablets. 3 to 5 years:1/4 tablets. 6 to 12 years:1/2 tablets. Over 12 years: 1 tables.
Contra-indications
Active gastroduodenal ulcers, hypersensitivity to salicylates,haemorrhagic disease,severe hepatic fonction impairment,the last 3 months of pregnancy,concurrent use of anticoagulants.
Precautions and Warnings
Use with caution in patients with chronic or recurrent stomach or duodenal ulcers,gastric bleeding,severe renal disease,urticaria and gout. Do not give to children under 2 years of age except on a doctor's advice.
Asthmatics should consult their doctor before using preparations containing aspirin. Because of the possible association between Reye's syndrome and the ingestion of aspirin,care must be taken in administering aspirin to children or teenagers with chicken pox,influenza or fever.
Adverse Reactions
Gastic irritation (mild gastic pain,heartburn) and increased bleeding times have been reported.
Less common reactions include tinnitus,headache (the earlieat symptoms of ovedosage) gastro intestinal ulceration and haemorrhage.
Allergic and anaphylactic reactions include angioneurotic oedema,urticaria,skin rashes and a severe ( and occasionallu fatal) form of asthma have been reported.
Interactions
Aspirin nhances the effect of:
Anticoagulants,coumarin,heparin,or thrombolytic agents.
Methotrexate salicylates may decrease renal clearance of methotrexate leadina to toxic methotrexate plasma concerntrations, if they are used concurrently,methotrexate dosage should be decreases.
Aspirin deereases the effects of:
(NSAID) non-streoidal anti-inflammatory drugs (decrease of bioavailability),
uricosuric agents. Aspirin increase the serum uric acid concentration, diuretics (frusemide).
The effects of Aspirin may be decreased by concurrent use of antacids. The alkalisation of the urine increase salicy late excretion leading to decreased salicy late plasma concentration.
Overdosage
Mild overdose (salicylism):Continuous ringing or buzzing in earsmor hearing loss and/or headache may be the earliest symptoms of overdosage.
Severe overdose: Fever,excitement or confusion,hyoerventilation,alternations in acid-base balance:respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis,hyper or hypoglycaemia. Cardiovascular collapse and respiratory failure may result.
In young children the only sign of an overdose may be changes in behaviour:severe drowsiness and tiredness and/or fhst or deep breathing.
T.e effects of overdosage in chlidren are dramatic and may be lethal.
Treatment: Transfer the patients to a specialised hospital setting.
Empty the stomach cia gastric lavage.
Monitor and support vital functions,correct fluid,electrolyte acid-base imbalances.
Induce forced alkaline diuresis to increase salicylate excretion.
Exchange transfusion,haemodialysis,pertoneal dialysis could be needed in severe overdosage.
