Drug Interactions of Antiplatelets (Part 1)

Drug Interactions of Aspirin:

More Presentations from Naina Mohamed, PhD

         ©   Aspirin is an antiplatelet drug and it produces antiplatelet activity in lower doses (75-100 mg daily), while Higher dose of Aspirin (Up to 3600 mg daily in divided doses) is required for it’s analgesic effects.  

         ©   The patients with low risk of cardiovascular events are usually prescribed with Aspirin (75-100 mg/day) for the primary prevention.

   

         ©   Interaction between one or more co-administered medications leading to change in their effectiveness or toxicity is termed as “Adverse drug interaction”.

         ©    Concomitant use of Aspirin and Live Influenza Virus Vaccine is Contraindicated due to the heightened risk of Reye's syndrome (Drowsiness, Confusion, Seizures, Coma).

         ©   Aspirin and Ketorolac co-administration is Contraindicated due to cumulative risks of serious Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (Peptic ulcers, GI bleeding and GI perforation).

         ©   It is recommended to avoid using salicylates for 6 weeks after getting varicella vaccine due to enhanced risk of developing Reye's syndrome.

         ©   The risk of fatal metabolic acidosis is increased by the concomitant use of Aspirin and Dichlorphenamide. Serum bicarbonate concentrations should be estimated regularly, if both these drugs are used concomitantly.

         ©   Co-administration of Aspirin and Antidiabetics (Insulin, Sulfonylureas) may result in elevated risk of Hypoglycemia. The patients should be monitored for their blood glucose and clinical signs of hypoglycemia.

         ©   Aspirin can decrease the clearance of Methotrexate and increase the risk of Methotrexate toxicity (Leukopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Anemia, Nephrotoxicity, Mucosal ulcerations). Monitor the patients closely for the toxicity of Methotrexate, if concomitant administration is necessary.

         ©   The antiplatelet effect of Aspirin could be decreased by Ibuprofen due to it’s competition with Aspirin for COX-1 binding site. Daily aspirin users should be advised to ingest aspirin at least 2 hours prior to ibuprofen.

         ©   Concomitant use of Aspirin and NSAIDs (Ketoprofen, Naproxen, Meloxicam, Piroxicam, etc.) may increase the risk of serious GI adverse effects (Ulceration, Bleeding, Perforation).

         ©   Drugs increasing Aspirin associated bleeding include…

Ø Warfarin

Ø Coumarins and other anticoagulants (Acenocoumarol, Dicumarol, Phenprocoumon, Anisindione, Phenindione)

Ø Fibrinolytics (Alteplase, Reteplase)

Ø Antiplatelets (Clopidogrel, Prasugrel, Ticagrelor, Ticlopidine, Dipyridamole, Abciximab, Eptifibatide, Tirofiban)

Ø Treprostinil

Ø Anagrelide

Ø Cilostazol

         ©   The effects of ACE Inhibitors (Captopril, Enalapril, Imidapril, Temocapril, Delapril, Ramipril, Perindopril, Cilazapril) might be decreased by Aspirin due to it’s effect on production of vasodilator Prostaglandins (PGs). The clinician should weigh the benefits against the risks of combining these two agents.

         ©   Drug interactions can result in significant morbidity and mortality and thus minimizing the risk for drug interactions should be a goal in drug therapy.

         ©   The patients on antiplatelet therapy should bring a list of all of the drugs they are taking including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and any supplements, herbal or otherwise, during their visit to the doctor or pharmacist.

         ©   The risk of adverse effects could be reduced by healthcare professionals through the screening, education, and follow up on suspected drug interactions.

         ©   If possible, the patients are recommended to fill all their prescriptions at one pharmacy.

         ©   Pharmacists can play a crucial role in identifying possible drug interactions by asking patients about their herbal and other alternative medicine product use.