Indications
Aspirin is indicated in the following indications
· Prophylaxis against arterial occlusive events: Myocardial infarction, myocardial re-infarction, after bypass surgery, acute ischaemic stroke/TIA.
· Mild to moderate pain: Headache, muscle pain, dysmenorrhoea and toothache etc.
· Chronic disease accompanied by pain and inflammation: Osteoarthritis.
· Antipyretic: Cold fever and influenzae.
Dosage & Administration
Pain, inflammatory diseases and as antipyretic: Aspirin 300 mg 1-3 tablets 6 hourly with a maximum daily dose of 4 gm.
Suspected acute coronary syndrome: 150 mg-300 mg immediately unless there are clear contraindications.
After myocardial infarction: Aspirin 150 mg daily for 1 month. Long-term use of aspirin in a dose of 75 mg daily is recommended thereafter.
Acute ischaemic stroke/Transient ischaemic stroke (TIA): The starting dose is 150 mg-300 mg daily and Aspirin 75 mg daily thereafter. Following bypass surgery: 75 mg-300 mg daily starting 6 hours post-procedure
Interaction
Salicylates may enhance the effect of anticoagulants, oral hypoglycaemic agents, phenytoin and sodium valporate. They inhibit the uricosuric effect of probenecid and may increase the toxicity of sulphonamides. They may also precipitate bronchospasm or induce attacks of asthma in susceptible subjects.
Side Effects
Side effects for the usual dosage of Aspirin are mild including nausea, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal ulceration and bronchospasm etc.