CARDIOASPIRIN ® Acetylsalicylic acid

CARDIOASPIRIN ® is a drug based on acetylsalicylic acid.

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antithrombotic.

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications CARDIOASPIRIN ® Acetylsalicylic acid

CARDIOASPIRIN ® is used as a preventive measure to reduce the incidence of coronary thrombosis after myocardial infarction, in patients with increased risk and suffering from angina pectoris, arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, diabetes mellitus and family heart disease.

CARDIOASPIRIN ® is also useful in the prophylaxis of ischemic events after cerebral stroke, the reocclusion of aorto-coronary by-pass and after angioplasty; it can also be used successfully in the prevention of thrombotic events caused by extracorporeal circulation.

Mechanism of action CARDIOASPIRIN ® Acetylsalicylic acid

The oral intake of acetylsalicylic acid, through CARDIOASPIRIN ® allows the achievement of maximum plasma concentrations in time intervals delayed compared to the intake without gastroresistant envelope; all without reaching high blood levels, given the gradual release of the active ingredient. This pharmacokinetic characteristic, accompanied by a modest dosage, allows acetylsalicylic acid to be metabolised only to a small extent by intestinal and hepatic esterases, thus preserving its antithrombotic properties rather than analgesic ones.

In fact, the integral active principle, not yet metabolized to salicylic acid and derivatives, can inhibit platelet aggregation by blocking the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase, which at the platelet level mediates the passage from arachidonic acid to thromboxane A2, responsible for platelet aggregation and of vasoconstriction.

This inhibition will be permanent, given the impossibility for platelets (anucleate) to synthesize new messengers useful for the synthesis of thromboxane A2.

After a rapid half-life, estimated at around 15 minutes, which nonetheless guarantees an important antithrombotic action, acetylsalicylic acid is readily hydrolyzed by hepatic esterases in salicylic acid and derivatives, which will then be excreted predominantly through the urine.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

ANTICANCER ACTION OF ACETYL ACYLIC ACID

The daily ingestion of cardioasprin in patients with previously treated breast cancer allowed us to observe a significant increase in the levels of maspine, a protein involved in the inhibition of the metastatic evolution of breast cancer. The elevated levels of maspine observed (from 9nM to 4.6 nM) could represent an important preventive factor in the development of metastases.

2. EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMBINED THERAPY ACETYLSALICYLIC-CLOPIDROGEL ACID

This annual study of about 300 patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, with an increased risk of thrombotic events, evaluated the efficacy of antithrombotic therapy with acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel or combination therapy. The results show greater efficacy, with better therapeutic control on platelet aggregation, when the two active ingredients are administered simultaneously.

3. ANATHATEROSCLEROTIC ACTION OF ACETYLICYLIC ACID

Molecular studies conducted on the activity of an enzyme known as PON1 (paraoxonase 1), have shown that among its substrates there may also be acetylsalicylic acid. The esterase action of this enzyme is necessary for the synthesis of active metabolites starting from acetylsalicylic acid, experimentally involved in a direct antioxidant action. This mechanism could be the basis of the protective action of this active ingredient.

Method of use and dosage

CARDIOASPIRIN ® 100mg coated gastro-resistant tablets of acetylsalicylic acid: the most used dosage is that of a daily tablet, taken with plenty of water after meals.

Any dosage corrections must be evaluated by the doctor after a careful evaluation of the patient's physiopathological situation.

IN ANY CASE, BEFORE TAKING CARDIOASPIRIN ® Acetylsalicylic acid - THE PRESCRIPTION AND CONTROL OF YOUR OWN DOCTOR IS NECESSARY.

Warnings CARDIOASPIRIN ® Acetylsalicylic acid

CARDIOASPIRIN ® should be taken with particular care in patients with impaired renal and hepatic function or with anticoagulant therapy.

Acetylsalicylic acid should not be taken by patients sensitive to salicylates or other anti-inflammatory drugs, in order to avoid unpleasant allergic reactions and gastro-intestinal bleeding.

CARDIOASPIRIN ® does not affect the ability to drive vehicles or use machinery.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

The administration of therapeutic doses of acetylsalicylic acid, in the obstetric-gynecological field and under strict medical-specialist control, did not determine the onset of side effects for the health of the fetus.

Otherwise, prolonged use during breastfeeding should be followed by withdrawal of breastfeeding from the newborn.

Interactions

The therapeutic action of acetylsalicylic acid could be altered by the concomitant administration of anticoagulants, immunosuppressive drugs, antihypertensives, painkillers such as ibuprofen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-gout drugs and anti-cancer drugs.

In contrast, CARDIOASPIRIN ® could alter the efficacy of anticoagulants, corticosteroids, analgesics, hypoglycemic agents, methotrexate, furosemide and spironolactone, increasing the incidence of side effects potentially dangerous for the patient's health.

Contraindications CARDIOASPIRIN ® Acetylsalicylic acid

CARDIOASPIRIN ® intake is contraindicated in patients with an increased risk of bleeding and gastropathies. The hepatic metabolism and the renal excretion impose to avoid the use of this drug also in case of renal or hepatic insufficiency.

CARDIOASPIRIN ® should not be used during viral diseases in pediatric patients, as they are at risk of strengthening the toxic effects of the various toxins, resulting in Reye's syndrome; analogous speech in patients hypersensitive to acetylsalicylic acid, salicylates and its excipients.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

CARDIOASPIRIN ® was well tolerated, with the description of cardiovascular events mainly in sensitive patients. In the same, but with a significantly reduced frequency, gastro-intestinal bleeding episodes and thrombocytopenia were observed.