- Class
- Antiplatelet drugs
- Body system
- Blood and clotting
- Brand names
- Bayer, Ecotrin
What is Aspirin used for?
- Prevention of heart attack and stroke in selected patients
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Pain, fever and inflammation (higher doses)
How Aspirin works
Irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX), blocking thromboxane A2 for the life of the platelet; also an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic.
Common side effects
- Stomach upset and heartburn
- Bruising
- GI bleeding
Report right away
- Black, tarry stools or vomiting blood
- Ringing in the ears (salicylate toxicity)
- Wheezing (aspirin-sensitive asthma)
Nursing considerations for Aspirin
- For a suspected myocardial infarction, chewable aspirin is given as ordered, unless allergic.
- Assess for bleeding and GI symptoms; take with food or use enteric-coated forms as ordered.
Patient teaching
- Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers with a viral illness such as flu or chickenpox: risk of Reye syndrome.
- Check other products for hidden aspirin or salicylates.
- Do not take daily aspirin for prevention unless your provider recommends it.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Antiplatelet drugs practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Aspirin belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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A patient who had a coronary stent placed 2 months ago wants to stop clopidogrel because of bruising. What is the best response?
Show answer
Answer C: Do not stop it without talking to your cardiologist; stopping early can cause the stent to clot Premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy after a stent greatly raises the risk of stent thrombosis and myocardial infarction.
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Why should aspirin be avoided in a 12-year-old with influenza?
Show answer
Answer D: Risk of Reye syndrome Aspirin in children and teenagers with viral illnesses is associated with Reye syndrome, which affects the brain and liver.
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Which suffix is common to the P2Y12 inhibitors clopidogrel and prasugrel?
Show answer
Answer C: -grel Clopidogrel and prasugrel end in -grel; ticagrelor shares the stem with a different ending.
Frequently asked questions
What is Aspirin used for?
Prevention of heart attack and stroke in selected patients; Acute coronary syndrome; Pain, fever and inflammation (higher doses).
What drug class is Aspirin?
Aspirin belongs to the class antiplatelet drugs. Irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX), blocking thromboxane A2 for the life of the platelet; also an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic.
What are the nursing considerations for Aspirin?
For a suspected myocardial infarction, chewable aspirin is given as ordered, unless allergic. Assess for bleeding and GI symptoms; take with food or use enteric-coated forms as ordered.
What should patients report while taking Aspirin?
black, tarry stools or vomiting blood; ringing in the ears (salicylate toxicity); wheezing (aspirin-sensitive asthma).