Antiplatelets (antiplatelet agents, salicylates).

Aspirin

Each tablet contains: Aspirin BP 75 mg

Tablets

For the secondary prevention of thrombotic cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease and following by-pass surgery. The advice of a doctor should be sought before commencing therapy for the first time.

The usual dosage, for long-term use, is 75mg - 150mg once daily. In some circumstances a higher dose may be appropriate, especially in short-term, and up to 300mg a day may be used on the advice of a doctor.

Do not give to children aged under 16 years, unless specifically indicated (e.g. for Kawasaki's disease).

The risk/benefit ratios in the elderly have not been fully established

Active or history of peptic ulceration, haemophilia and other bleeding disorders, hypersensitivity to aspirin.

Aspirin may induce gastro-intestinal haemorrhage, occasionally major. Patients with hypertension should be carefully monitored.

There is a possible association between aspirin and Reye's syndrome when given to children. Reye's syndrome is a very rare disease, which affects the brain and liver, and can be fatal. For this reason aspirin should not be given to children aged under 16 years unless specifically indicated (e.g. for Kawasaki's disease).

Aspirin may enhance the effects of anticoagulants and may inhibit the action of uricosurics.

Experimental data suggest that ibuprofen may inhibit the effect of low dose aspirin on platelet aggregation when they are dosed concomitantly. However, the limitations of these data and the uncertainties regarding extrapolation of ex-vivo data to the clinical situation imply that no firm conclusions can be made for regular ibuprofen use, and no clinically relevant effect is considered to be likely for occasional ibuprofen use

Aspirin may enhance the effects of anticoagulants and may inhibit the action of uricosurics. Aspirin may precipitate bronchospasm and may induce attacks of asthma in susceptible subjects. Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in susceptible individuals.

Bristol-Myers Pharmaceuticals

(P)

04 June 2009