Aspirin

Generic Details

Generic Name

Aspirin

Other Names

  • Acetylsalicylic acid
  • ASA

Drug Class

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
  • Analgesic
  • Antipyretic
  • Antiplatelet

Chemical Formula

C9H8O4

Molecular Weight

180.16 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Irreversibly inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), thereby blocking the production of prostaglandins and thromboxanes

Indications

  • Pain relief (mild to moderate)
  • Fever reduction
  • Inflammatory conditions (e.g., arthritis)
  • Prevention of blood clots/stroke/heart attack

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet
  • Chewable tablet
  • Enteric-coated tablet
  • Suppository

Typical Dosage

  • 325-650 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain or fever

Pediatric Dosage

  • Consult healthcare provider for appropriate dosing

Geriatric Dosage

  • Lower doses and close monitoring recommended due to increased risk of adverse effects

Side Effects

  • Gastrointestinal irritation
  • Ulcers
  • Bleeding tendencies
  • Reye's syndrome (in children)
  • Allergic reactions

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to aspirin or other NSAIDs
  • Active peptic ulcer disease
  • Severe renal impairment
  • History of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation

Pregnancy Category

  • Category D - Avoid in the third trimester, can be used in low doses under medical supervision in the first and second trimesters

Lactation Safety

  • Considered compatible with breastfeeding in low doses, monitor for adverse effects in the infant

Drug Interactions

  • Anticoagulants
  • Corticosteroids
  • Alcohol
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • ACE inhibitors

Overdose Symptoms

  • Tinnitus
  • Hyperventilation
  • Metabolic acidosis
  • Seizures
  • Coma

Antidote for Overdose

  • Activated charcoal
  • Alkalinization of urine
  • Hemodialysis in severe cases

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapidly and completely absorbed in the stomach and proximal small intestine
  • Distribution: Widely distributed throughout the body; crosses the placenta and enters breast milk
  • Metabolism: Primarily metabolized by the liver to salicylic acid
  • Excretion: Excreted in the urine mainly as salicylic acid and its metabolites

Precautions

  • Avoid in patients with asthma or nasal polyps
  • Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
  • Monitor for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding

Warnings

  • Increased risk of bleeding, especially in elderly patients
  • May mask symptoms of serious conditions such as infection or cancer

Others