aspirin
dosages
(adults and adolescents)- 3.2 to 6g daily in divided doses. (6g maximum); (children)- 10-15mg/kg daily, up to 80mg/kg daily in divided doses every 4-6°
drug interaction
(decreased antihypertensive effect)- ACE inhibitors; (increased risk of bleeding)- anticoagulants; (increased excretion and decreased blood level of aspirin)- corticosteroids; (increased risk of ototoxicity)- vancomycin
classification
: Anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, antipyretic, nonopioid analgesic
indication
: To relieve mild pain or fever
teaching
Advise adult patient taking low-dose aspirin not to also take ibuprofen because it may reduce the cardio protective and stroke preventive effects of aspirin. Instruct patient to take aspirin with food or after meals. Advise patient with tartrazine allergy not to take aspirin.
contraindications
Allergy to tartrazine dye, asthma, bleeding problems, peptic ulcer.
site of action
Blocks the activity of cyclooxygenase, the enzyme needed for prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins, important mediators in the inflammatory response, cause local vasodilation with swelling and pain. With blocking of cyclooxygenase and inhibition of prostaglandins, inflammatory symptoms subside. Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation by interfering with production of thromboxane A2. Aspirin acts on the heat-regulating center in the hypothalamus and causes peripheral vasodilation, diaphoresis, and heat loss.
adverse effects
CNS depression, hearing loss, tinnitus, diarrhea, GI bleeding, heartburn, hepatotoxicity, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, decreased blood iron level, prolonged bleeding time, shortened life span of RBCs thrombocytopenia
nursing consideration
Don't crush time-released or controlled-release aspirin tablets unless directed. Ask about tinnitus. This reaction usually occurs when blood aspirin level reaches or exceeds maximum for therapeutic effects. Do not give aspirin to child or adolescent with chickenpox or flu symptoms because of risk of Reye's syndrome.
aspirin brand name
bayer