# Aspirin --- **Aspirin**, or **acetylsalicylic acid** (abbreviated **ASA**) is a [[medicine]] that is primarily used as an [[analgesic]] and a [[anticoagulants|anticoagulant]] or an anti-inflammatory (because it is an [[NSAIDs|NSAID]]). An 81 mg dose of aspirin is used as a thrombosis prophylactic in the hospital setting, and a higher dose is often if it is for pain. ```smiles CC(=O)OC1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)O ``` ## Contraindications You don't want to take aspirin if you are expecting any surgeries or procedures. It take s awhile to clear out the ASA from the system, so stop taking it a while before >[!biology] Special Population: Pregnancy >[[pregnancy|Pregnant]] people are advised against taking aspirin during their third trimester because the active ingredient blocks the production of [[prostaglandins]], which promotes [[uterus|uterine]] contractions during [[childbirth|labor]]. Not only this, as it can increase the time it takes for blood to [[coagulation|clot]] following deliver, which can lead to excessive blood loss. ## Reye's Syndrome **Reye's syndrome** is a thing that happens in pediatrics, so we don't give aspirin to kids. The only exception is for [[Kawasaki disease]] for some reason. ## Adverse Reactions - bleeding/bruising - tinnitus or ringing in the ears - this is bad! can indicate long-term hearing damage ___