DRUG STUDY

Tuazon, Czarina C. Date Assigned:

Name: Civil Status: Ward #: Bed #: Age: Sex:
Diagnosis/Clinical Impression:
Indications:
Usual
Dosage and
Availability
Pharmacologic Action of Drug Contraindications Interaction Adverse Effects
Aspirin 50
mg 1 tab
OD
Blocks the activity of
cyclooxygenase, the
enzyme needed for prostaglandin
synthesis. Prostaglandins, important
mediators in the inflammatory
response, cause local Aspirin inhibits
platelet aggregation by
interfering with production of
thromboxane A2, a substance that
stimulates platelet aggregation.
Aspirin acts on the heatregulating
center in the hypothalamus and
causes peripheral vasodilation,
diaphoresis, and heat loss.
Vasodilation with swelling and
pain.With blocking
of cyclooxygenase and inhibition of
prostaglandins, inflammatory
symptoms subside. Pain is also
relieved because
Allergy to
tartrazine dye,
asthma, bleeding
problems (such as
hemophilia),
hypersensitivity
to aspirin or its
components,
peptic
ulcer disease
ACE inhibitors: Decreased antihypertensive
effect
activated charcoal: Decreased aspirin
absorption
antacids, urine alkalinizers: Decreased
aspirin effectiveness
anticoagulants: Increased risk of bleeding;
prolonged bleeding time
carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: Salicylism
corticosteroids: Increased excretion and
decreased blood level of aspirin
heparin: Increased risk of bleeding
ibuprofen: Possibly reduced
cardioprotective and stroke preventive
effects of aspirin
methotrexate: Increased blood level and
decreased excretion of methotrexate,
causing toxicity
nizatidine: Increased blood aspirin level
NSAIDs: Possibly decreased blood NSAID
CNS: Confusion, CNS depression
EENT: Hearing loss, tinnitus
GI: Diarrhea, GI bleeding,
heartburn, hepatotoxicity,
nausea, stomach pain, vomiting
HEME: Decreased blood iron level,
leukopenia, prolonged bleeding
time, shortened
life span of RBCs,
thrombocytopenia
SKIN: Ecchymosis, rash, urticaria
Other: Angioedema, Reyes
syndrome, salicylism
(dizziness, tinnitus, difficulty
hearing vomiting, diarrhea,
confusion, CNS
depression, diaphoresis, headache,
hyperventilation,
and lassitude) with regular use
of large doses
prostaglandins play a role in pain
transmission
from the periphery to the spinal
cord
level and increased risk of adverse GI
effects
sulfonylureas: Possibly enhanced effect of
sulfonylureas with large doses of aspirin
urine acidifiers (such as ammonium
chloride,
ascorbic acid): Decreased aspirin excretion
vancomycin: Increased risk of ototoxicity
alcohol use: Increased risk of ulcers

Nursing Considerations
Dont crush timed-release or controlledrelease aspirin tablets unless directed
Ask about tinnitus. This reaction usually occurs when blood aspirin level reaches or exceeds maximum for therapeutic effect.
Advise adult patient taking low-dose aspirin not to also take ibuprofen because it may reduce the cardioprotective and stroke preventive effects of
aspirin.
Instruct patient to take aspirin with food or after meals because it may cause GI upset if taken on an empty stomach.
Tell patient not to use aspirin if it has a strong vinegar-like odor.