Antiplatelet / Analgesic / Antipyretic Oral
Aspirin
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
CPG Reference
Chest Pain / Acute Coronary Syndrome
Indications
- ✓ Patients with suspected Acute Coronary Syndromes
Contraindications
- ✕ Known hypersensitivity to aspirin / salicylates / NSAIDs
- ✕ Children < 16 years of age
Precautions
- ⚠ Actively bleeding peptic ulcers
- ⚠ Suspected AAA
- ⚠ Aspirin / salicylate-sensitive asthmatics
Dosing
Adult
Amount 300 mg
Route Oral
Repeat Single dose only
Chewed or dissolved in a small amount of water depending on presentation. Administer even if patient has taken aspirin that day or is on anticoagulants.
Onset: Refer to current CPG
Side Effects & Notes
Side Effects
- • Heartburn
- • Nausea
- • Gastrointestinal bleeding
- • Increased bleeding time
- • Anaphylactic reaction (particularly in aspirin-sensitive asthmatics)
Clinical Notes
- → Administer even if patient has already taken aspirin that day or is on anticoagulants.
- → Administered as part of the Intermediate Care treatment steps for Chest Pain / ACS — EHS officers administer aspirin at the Primary Care level per the EHS Scope of Practice.
- → Suspicion of AMI is based entirely on field history — a normal-looking ECG does not rule out ACS.
- → Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of presenting without chest pain; maintain a low threshold for aspirin administration.