Aspirin Overview

Introduction & General Info

• Aspirin: Also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
• Common over-the-counter medication

Drug Class

• NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)
• Reduces inflammation without being a steroid

Uses of Aspirin

• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation
• Antipyretic: Reduces fevers
• Analgesic: Treats headaches, toothaches, arthritis pain
• Blood thinner/Anti-platelet: Prevents blood clots, used in low doses to prevent strokes and heart attacks
• Treats Chest Pain (Angina): Associated with acute coronary syndrome
• Kawasaki Disease: Rare use in children for inflammation in blood vessels

Side Effects of Aspirin

Acute Toxicity

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears): First sign of overdose, must report to the provider

Long-term Effects

• GI Ulcers: Encourage taking with food and water to mitigate
• Bleeding:
  • Monitor for signs like tarry stools, blood in urine, bleeding gums, severe bruising
  • Discontinue 7 days before surgery, inform dentists before invasive treatments

Reye's Syndrome

• Risk in children: Causes acute liver failure and encephalopathy when given during viral infections
• Contraindicated in children, except for Kawasaki disease

Alcohol Interaction

• Avoid alcohol: Increases risk of GI ulcers, bleeding, liver damage

Recap

• Aspirin = NSAID
• Uses: Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, blood thinner, chest pain relief, Kawasaki disease treatment
• Side Effects: Acute toxicity (tinnitus), long-term effects (GI ulcers, bleeding), Reye's syndrome in children, avoid alcohol

Important Notes

• Never give to children except for Kawasaki disease
• Avoid use with alcohol