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    Aspirin and carbasalate calcium

    Aspirin and its calcium salt carbasalate calcium inhibit cyclo-oxygenase, an enzyme essential for the conversion of arachidonic acid into thromboxane A2. Thromboxane A2 causes vasoconstriction and platelet activation. Aspirin therefore causes diminished platelet activation. Aspirin binds irreversibly to cyclo-oxygenase and since platelets do not synthesize proteins (enzymes) by themselves, the effect of aspirin lasts for the life of the platelet (7-10 days).

     

    Aspirin is indicated for the secondary prevention of arterial thromboembolism (after a cerebral infarction, TIA, myocardial infarction, unstable angina). Adverse effects of aspirin are increased bleeding (especially gastro-intestinal).

    See also platelet aggregation inhibitors and NSAIDs in the pain section.

    1

    Mr K (58 years old and 90 kg) has gone through a mild myocardial infarction. His medical history mentions frequent episodes of ulcerations in the stomach and diabetes. How would you prophylax for reinfarction? 

    2

    What is NOT true about thromboxane A2 (TXA2):