ASA (Aspirin)

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Generic Name

Acetylsalicylic Acid

Trade Name

Aspirin

Indication

Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ischemic stroke, and MI prophylaxis

Action

Inhibits the production of prostaglandins which leads to a reduction of fever and inflammation, decreases platelet aggregation leading to a decrease in ischemic diseases

Therapeutic Class

Antipyretics, non-opioid analgesics

Pharmacologic Class

Salicylates

Nursing Considerations

• Use caution in bleeding disorders, chronic alcohol use • May lead to Stevens-Johnson syndrome, laryngeal edema, and anaphylaxis • Increases risk for bleeding with warfarin, heparin, and clopidogrel • Increased risk for GI bleeding with NSAID use • Monitor liver function tests • Concurrent use with alcohol may increase risk for GI bleeding • Aspirin with viral infections can cause Reye’s syndrome