Aspirin anti-platelet

About aspirin anti-platelet

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antiplatelet agents.

In the blood are sticky cells called platelets. When you cut yourself, the platelets stick to each other (clot) to seal the wound. Sometimes a clot may form in a blood vessel and block it causing a stroke or heart attack. Low dose aspirin, taken regularly, reduces the stickiness of these platelets, therefore thinning the blood slightly and helping to prevent unwanted blood clots from forming within the body.

A low dose of aspirin is particularly useful for patients who have had surgery to replace heart valves as it allows the blood to move around the body and through the new valves more easily. It is also used for patients who have recently suffered from a heart attack or for those at risk of suffering from a heart attack or stroke.

At higher doses aspirin is used to help relieve pain and inflammation. There is more information about this in the separate leaflet called 'Aspirin'.

Low dose aspirin is available in tablet and soluble tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Angettes; Caprin; Micropirin; Nu-Seals Aspirin; PostMI. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking aspirin anti-platelet

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from asthma
• if you suffer from high blood pressure
• if you are under 16 years of age
• if you suffer from, or have suffered from a stomach ulcer or indigestion
• if you suffer from haemophilia or any other blood clotting disorders
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine especially NSAIDs. Other NSAIDs include ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen.
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to take aspirin anti-platelet

• Dosage instructions vary depending on the type of aspirin you are taking and the condition you are suffering from.
• Aspirin should be taken with or after food to reduce the risk of stomach irritation.
• Some aspirin preparations are enteric coated. This means they do not break down until they have travelled through the stomach and have reached the small intestine. This reduces the risk of stomach irritation. Such preparations should be swallowed whole (not crushed or chewed).
• Avoid taking indigestion remedies at the same time of day as the enteric coated forms of aspirin. Indigestion remedies should be taken at least an hour before or an hour after a dose of aspirin.
• Try to take this medicine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose of aspirin, take it as soon as you remember then continue as normal. If it is almost time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose, never take two doses at the same time to compensate.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of aspirin contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• The Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) has recommended that preparations containing aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 16 unless it has been prescribed to treat specific conditions. Therefore, aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 16 to treat minor illnesses.
• Do not take any 'over-the-counter' medicines while you are taking aspirin unless you have checked with your pharmacist, which medicines are safe for you to take alongside aspirin. Many preparations available to buy also contain aspirin.

Can aspirin anti-platelet cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Diarrhoea, constipation, tummy ache, indigestion or heartburn.

Important: If you experience shortness of breath, wheezing or tightness of the chest; a skin rash, ringing in your ears; bloody or black stools contact your doctor at once.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store aspirin anti-platelet

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2006   Updated: 27/01/2006