ASPIRIN

1) Action

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

• Analgesic

• Anti-inflammatory

• Antipyretic

• Antiplatelet

2) Mechanism

• Inhibit prostaglandin synthesis

3) Indications

• Reduce incidence TIAs & unstable angina

[via antiplatelet effect]

• Pain, fever, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever

4) Effects on organs—side effects

• Inhibition of thromboxane synthesis —> inhibition of platelet aggregation —> prolonged bleeding times [for up to 8 days — until new platelets are formed; ie effect on platelets lasts the lifespan of the cell since the anucleate platelet lacks the capacity for protein synthesis]

5) Toxic effects/ precautions with administration

• Gastric intolerance, bleeding

6) Contraindications

7) Reversal, antagonism or antidote

8) Loading dose, maintenance dose, frequency & method of administration

9) Drug’s metabolism—Drug’s excretion—Half life (pharmacokinetics)

• Elimination half life: 3 hrs

• % protein bound 70-80