Name: Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)
Class: Antithrombotic Agent (Antiplatelet Agent)
Mechanism: Irrevers. acetylation of cyclooxygenase ® ¯ platelet thromboxane synth.
Absorption: Oral ® rapid absorption.
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Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: GI hemorrhage, hemorrhagic stroke. Use w/caution in pts on long-term oral anticoagulants. Hypersensitivity rxns—generalized urticaria, bronchial asthma, laryngeal edema, bronchoconstriction, hypotension, shock—may occur in 20-25% of pts w/asthma, nasal polyps, or chronic urticaria.
Utility: Acute MI, stable/unstable angina, 2° prevention in MI survivors. TIA. 2° prevention in nondisabling ischemic stroke. Prevention of saphenous vein bypass graft occlusion. Post-coronary angioplasty. 1° MI prophylaxis (325 mg/d) adjunctive to risk factor management. Headache.
Special Features: Low dose Rx optimal—75-325 mg/d. Antithrombotic use is primarily for arterial thromboses.