MCQ 3151 - 3200 ( With Answer )

        Aspirin (Aacetylsalicylic Acid) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation, and as an antithrombotic. Specific inflammatory conditions that aspirin is used to treat include Kawasaki disease, pericarditis, and rheumatic fever.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of aspirin involves the irreversible inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, leading to reduced synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxanes. This results in its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, and antiplatelet effects. While highly effective, the inhibition of COX-1 is also responsible for some of the adverse effects associated with aspirin use. Understanding this mechanism helps healthcare providers effectively utilize aspirin's benefits while managing its potential risks.

Indications

➊ Pain, Fever and Inflammation

➋ Reducing the risk of cardiovascular death in suspected cases of myocardial infarction (MI)

➌ Prevention of thromboembolism after hip replacement surgery

Side Effects

Common side effects of aspirin may include:

➭ Upset stomach

➭ Heartburn

➭ Drowsiness

➭ Mild headache

Serious side effects of aspirin may include:

➭ Ringing in your ears

➭ Confusion

➭ Hallucinations

➭ Rapid breathing

➭ Seizure (convulsions)

➭ Severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain

➭ Bloody or tarry stools

➭ Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Interactions

➽ Some products that may interact with this drug include: 

➽ Mifepristone

➽ Acetazolamide

➽ Warfarin 

➽ Heparin

➽ Corticosteroids (such as prednisone)

➽ Dichlorphenamide

➽ Methotrexate

➽ Valproic acid

Precautions

➸ Bleeding/blood-clotting disorders (such as hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, low platelet count)

➸ Kidney disease

➸ Liver disease

➸ Stomach problems (such as ulcers, heartburn, stomach pain)

➸ Aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs)

➸ Nasal polyps

➸ Gout

➸ Enzyme deficiencies (pyruvate kinase or G6PD deficiency).

➸ Alcohol

Source

1. Aspirin (Drugs.com)

2. Aspirin Tablet - Uses, Side Effects, and More (WebMD)

3. Aspirin (Drug Bank Online)