ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID (Aspirin)
CLASS:
Non-Narcotic Analgesic
Antipyretic
Salicylate
ACTIONS:
A. nonsteroidal salicylate that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis-thus reducing inflammatory response and intensity of pain.
Acts on the hypothalamus heat-regulating center- thus decreasing fever (antipyretic)
Blocks the production of thromboxane A2, which stimulates platelet aggregation, and causes arteries to constrict (ACLS)- thus by blocking it, inhibits platelet aggregation and constriction of these arteries.
INDICATIONS:
Chest pain with suspected myocardial infarction / ACS
Fever or needed anti-inflammatory
Kawasaki’s disease
CONTRAINDICATION:
Children and teenagers with chicken pox and flu syndrome because of the potential of causing Reye's syndrome (a combination of acute encephalopathy and fatty infiltration of internal organs that may follow acute viral infections)
Gastric or peptic ulcer disease
Last trimester of pregnancy
Hypersensitivity
DOSE/ROUTE
Usual dose is 160 - 325 mg for AMI protocol
STANDARD PREP:
81 mg chewable tablet, 325 mg tablet
SIDE EFFECTS:
Anaphylaxis / Angioedema
GI bleed
Stomach pain / Nausea and Vomiting
Tinnitus / Deafness
PRECAUTION:
May prolong gestation and labor with resultant birth complications - if given in last trimester
*Ingestion of <150mg/kg may cause mild toxicity- N/V, GI irritation
Ingestion of 150-300mg/kg may produce moderate toxicity- N/V tachypnea, diaphoresis, tinnitus, acid-base disturbances. >300mg/kg will cause severe toxicity.
*Salicylate toxidrome- tinnitus, tachypnea (respiratory alkalosis followed by metabolic acidosis) Vomiting, dehydration, AMS (confusion), Sz, fever (rare).
*Ibuprofen OD- Life threatening can occur with ingestion of 400mg/kg or more. Mild s/sx may occur with doses of 150mg/kg