Aspirin 75mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets

Aspirin 75mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets

Each tablet contains aspirin 75 mg.Also includes 17mg/tablet lactose.

For the full list of excipients, see 6.1.

Gastro-resistant tablet.White, film coated, round tablet.

For the secondary prevention of thrombotic cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease and following by-pass surgery.

Posology

For the management of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease:

Patients should seek the advice of a doctor before commencing therapy for the first time.

The usual dosage, for long-term use, is 75-150mg once daily. In some circumstances a higher dose may be appropriate, especially in the short term, and up to 300mg a day may be used on the advice of a doctor. In general, acetylsalicylic acids should be used with caution in elderly patients who are more prone to adverse events. The usual adult dose is recommended in the absence of severe renal or hepatic insufficiency (see sections 4.3 and 4.4). Treatment should be reviewed at regular intervals.

Antithrombotic action:

150mg at diagnosis and 75mg daily thereafter. Tablets taken at diagnosis should be chewed in order to gain rapid absorption.

Children:

Do not give to children aged under 16 years, unless specifically indicated (e.g. for Kawasaki's disease). See section 4.4.

Method of administration

Aspirin 75 mg is for oral administration to adults only.

Take the tablet with water, do not cut, chew or crush the tablet. Swallow whole.

• Hypersensitivity to salicylic acid compounds or prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors (e.g. certain asthma patients who may suffer an attack or faint and certain patients who may suffer from bronchospasm, rhinitis and urticaria), or to any of the excipients (see section 6.1).

• Active, or history of peptic ulceration and/or gastric/intestinal haemorrhage, or other kinds of bleeding such as cerebrovascular haemorrhages.

• Haemorrhagic diathesis; coagulation disorders such as haemophilia and thrombocytopeniaor concurrent anticoagulant therapy.

• Patients who are suffering from gout.

• Severe hepatic impairment.

• Severe renal impairment.

• Do not give to children aged under 16 years, unless specifically indicated (e.g. for Kawasaki's disease).

• Doses >100 mg/day during the third trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.6); Methotrexate used at doses >15mg/week (see section 4.5).

Aspirin 75 mg tablets is not suitable for use as an anti-inflammatory/ analgesic/ antipyretic.

Caution should be exercised in patients with allergic disease, impairment of hepatic or renal function (avoid if severe) and dehydration, since the use of NSAIDs may result in deterioration of renal function. Liver function tests should be performed regularly in patients presenting slight or moderate hepatic insufficiency.

Aspirin may also precipitate bronchospasm or induce attacks of asthma in susceptible subjects or promote other hypersensitivity reactions. Risk factors are existing asthma, hay fever, nasal polyps or chronic respiratory diseases. The same applies for patients who also show allergic reaction to other substances (e.g. with skin reactions, itching or urticaria).

Serious skin reactions, including Steven-Johnsons syndrome, have rarely been reported in association with the use of acetylsalicylic acid (see section 4.8). Aspirin Tablets should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity.

The elderly may be more susceptible to the toxic effects of salicylates. Continuous prolonged use of aspirin should be avoided in the elderly because of the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation which may be fatal (see section 4.2). Where prolonged therapy is required, patients should be reviewed regularly.

Caution should be taken in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency as haemolytic anaemia may occur.

Aspirin 75 mg tablets is not recommended during menorrhagia where it may increase menstrual bleeding.

Aspirin prolongs bleeding time, mainly by inhibiting platelet aggregation and therefore it should be discontinued several days before scheduled surgical procedures. Haematological and haemorrhagic effects can occur, and may be severe. Use with caution before surgery, including tooth extraction. Patients should report any unusual bleeding symptoms to their physician.

Care is advised when stopping antiplatelet therapy after stent insertion either after a fixed period of time or in preparation for a planned surgical procedure, as the balance between stent thrombosis and excessive bleeding has to be carefully assessed.

There is a possible association between aspirin and Reye's Syndrome when given to children. Reye's syndrome is a very rare disease, which affects the brain and liver, and can be fatal. For this reason aspirin should not be given to children aged under 16 years unless specifically indicated (e.g. for Kawasaki's disease).

Aspirin is to be used with caution in cases of hypertension and patients with a stomach ulcer or a history of stomach ulcers or duodenal ulcer or haemorrhagic episodes or undergoing therapy with anticoagulants. Patients should report any unusual bleeding symptoms to their physician. If gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration occurs the treatment should be withdrawn.

Before commencing long term aspirin therapy for the management of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease patients should consult their doctor who can advise on the relative benefits versus the risks for the individual patient.

Concomitant treatment with Aspirin and other drugs that alter haemostasis (i.e. anticoagulants such as warfarin, thrombolytic and antiplatelet agents, anti-inflammatory drugs and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) is not recommended, unless strictly indicated, because they may enhance the risk of haemorrhage (see section 4.5). If the combination cannot be avoided, close observation for signs of bleeding is recommended.

Caution should be advised in patients receiving concomitant medications which could increase the risk of ulceration, such as oral corticosteroids, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors and deferasirox (see section 4.5).

Acetylsalicylic acid in low doses reduces uric acid excretion. Due to this fact, patients who tend to have reduced uric acid excretion may experience gout attacks (see section 4.5).

The risk of hypoglycaemic effect with sulfonylureas and insulins may be potentiated with Aspirin 75mg tablets taken at over dosage (see section 4.5).

Aspirin should be avoided in late pregnancy and generally during breast feeding (see section 4.6).

This medicine contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

Contraindicated combinations

Methotrexate (used at doses >15 mg/week):

The combined drugs, methotrexate and acetylsalicylic acid, enhance haematological toxicity of methotrexate due to the decreased renal clearance of methotrexate by acetylsalicylic acid. Therefore, the concomitant use of methotrexate (at doses >15 mg/week) with Aspirin 75 mg tablets is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

Not recommended combinations

Uricosuric agents, e.g. probenecid and sulfinpyrazone:

Salicylates reverse the effect of probenecid and sulfinpyrazone. The combination should be avoided.

Combinations requiring precautions for use or to be taken into account

Anticoagulants e.g. coumarin, heparin, warfarin and phenindione:

Increased risk of bleeding due to inhibited thrombocyte function, injury of the duodenal mucosa and displacement of oral anticoagulants from their plasma protein binding sites. The bleeding time should be monitored (see section 4.4).

Anti-platelet agents (e.g clopidogrel and dipyridamole) and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs; such as sertraline or paroxetine):

Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (see section 4.4).

Antidiabetics, e.g. sulphonylureas:

Salicylics may increase the hypoglycaemic effect of sulphonylureas.

Digoxin and lithium:

Acetylsalicylic acid impairs the renal excretion of digoxin and lithium, resulting in increased plasma concentrations.Monitoring of plasma concentrations of digoxin and lithium is recommended when initiating and terminating treatment with acetylsalicylic acid. Dose adjustment may be necessary.

Diuretics and antihypertensives:

NSAIDs may decrease the antihypertensive effects of diuretics and other antihypertensive agents. Patients with hypertension should be carefully monitored. As for other NSAIDs concomitant administration with ACE-inhibitors increases the risk of acute renal insufficiency. Diuretics: Risk of acute renal failure due to the decreased glomerular filtration via decreased renal prostaglandin synthesis. Hydrating the patient and monitoring renal function at the start of the treatment is recommended.

Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):

Concurrent administration can increase side effects. Use of two or more NSAIDs increases risk of gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

Ibuprofen:

Experimental data suggest that ibuprofen may inhibit the effect of low dose aspirin on platelet aggregation when they are dosed concomitantly. However, the limitations of these data and the uncertainties regarding extrapolation of ex vivo data to the clinical situation imply that no firm conclusions can be made for regular ibuprofen use, and no clinically relevant effect is considered to be likely for occasional ibuprofen use (see section 5.1).

Ciclosporin, tacrolimus:

Concomitant use of NSAIDs and ciclosporin or tacrolimus may increase the nephrotoxic effect of ciclosporin and tacrolimus. The renal function should be monitored in case of concomitant use of these agents and acetylsalicylic acid.

Systemic Corticosteroids:

The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration is increased when acetylsalicylic acid and corticostetoids are co-administered (see section 4.4). Corticosteroids reduce the plasma salicylate concentration and salicylate toxicity may occur following withdrawal of corticosteroids.

Methotrexate (used at doses <15 mg/week):

The combined drugs, methotrexate and acetylsalicylic acid, may increase haematological toxicity of methotrexate due to decreased renal clearance of methotrexate by acetylsalicylic acid. Weekly blood count checks should be done during the first weeks of the combination. Enhanced monitoring should take place in the presence of even mildly impaired renal function, as well, as in elderly.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors:

Reduced excretion of acetazolamide; salicylate intoxication has occurred in patients on high dose salicylate regimes and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Concurrent administration of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide and salicylates may result in severe acidosis and increased central nervous system toxicity.

Antacids and adsorbents:

The excretion of aspirin is increased in alkaline urine; kaolin possibly reduces absorption. Antacids will reduce the effect of aspirin. Principle incompatibilities are iron salts, carbonates and alkali hydroxides.

Mifepristone:

The manufacturer of mifepristone recommends that aspirin should be avoided until eight to twelve days after mifepristone has been discontinued.

Alcohol:

Concomitant administration of alcohol and acetylsalicylic acid increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Antiemetics:

Metoclopramide enhances the effects of aspirin by increasing the rate of absorption.

Anti-epileptics:

Salicylate diminishes the binding of phenytoin to plasma albumin. This may lead to decreased total phenytoin levels in plasma, but increased free phenytoin fraction. The unbound concentration, and thereby the therapeutic effect, does not appear to be significantly altered. Acetylsalicylic acid has been reported to decrease the binding of valproate to serum albumin, thereby increasing its free plasma concentrations at steady state.

Leukotriene antagonists:

The plasma concentration of zafirlukst is increased.

Antibacterials:

The toxicity of sulphonamides may be increased.

Thyroid function tests:

Aspirin may interfere with thyroid function tests.

Pregnancy

Low doses (up to 100 mg/day):

Clinical studies indicate that doses up to 100 mg/day for restricted obstetrical use, which require specialised monitoring, appear safe.

Doses of 100- 500 mg/day:

There is insufficient clinical experience regarding the use of doses above 100 mg/day up to 500 mg/day. Therefore, the recommendations below for doses of 500 mg/day and above apply also for this dose range.

Doses of 500 mg/day and above:

Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis may adversely affect the pregnancy and/or the embryo/foetal development. Data from epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of miscarriage and of cardiac malformation and gastroschisis after use of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor in early pregnancy. The absolute risk for cardiovascular malformation was increased from less than 1%, up to approximately 1.5 %. The risk is believed to increase with dose and duration of therapy. In animals, administration of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor has been shown to result in increased preand post-implantation loss and embryo-foetal lethality. In addition, increased incidences of various malformations, including cardiovascular, have been reported in animals given a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor during the organogenetic period. During the first and second trimester of pregnancy, acetylsalicylic acid should not be given unless clearly necessary. If acetylsalicylic acid is used by a woman attempting to conceive, or during the first and second trimester of pregnancy, the dose should be kept as low and duration of treatment as short as possible.

During the third trimester of pregnancy, all prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors may expose the foetus to:

• Cardiopulmonary toxicity (with premature closure of the ductus arteriosus and pulmonary hypertension)

• Renal dysfunction, which may progress to renal failure with oligo-hydroamniosis; the mother and the neonate, at the end of pregnancy

• Possible prolongation of bleeding time, an anti-aggregating effect which may occur even at very low doses

• Inhibition of uterine contractions resulting in delayed or prolonged labour

Consequently, acetylsalicylic acid at doses of 100 mg/day and higher is contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Lactation

As aspirin is excreted in breast milk, Aspirin should not be taken by patients who are breast-feeding, as there is a risk of Reye's syndrome in the infant. High maternal doses may impair platelet function in the infant.

Aspirin does not usually affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Side effects are grouped on the basis of System Organ Class. Within each system organ class the frequencies are defined as: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorization of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medical product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Salicylate poisoning is usually associated with plasma concentrations >350 mg/L (2.5 mmol/L). Most adult deaths occur in patients whose concentrations exceed 700 mg/L (5.1 mmol/L). Single doses less than 100 mg/kg are unlikely to cause serious poisoning.

SymptomsCommon features include vomiting, dehydration, tinnitus, vertigo, deafness, sweating, warm extremities with bounding pulses, increased respiratory rate and hyperventilation.Some degree of acid-base disturbance is present in most cases.A mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis with normal or high arterial pH (normal or reduced hydrogen ion concentration) is usual in adults or children over the age of four years. In children aged four years or less, a dominant metabolic acidosis with low arterial pH (raised hydrogen ion concentration) is common. Acidosis may increase salicylate transfer across the blood brain barrier.

Uncommon features include haematemesis, hyperpyrexia, hypoglycaemia, hypokalaemia, thrombocytopenia, increased INR/PTR, intravascular coagulation, renal failure and non-cardiac pulmonary oedema.

Central nervous system features including confusion, disorientation, coma and convulsions are less common in adults than in children.

Treatment

Give activated charcoal if an adult presents within one hour of ingestion of more than 250 mg/kg. The plasma salicylate concentration should be measured, although the severity of poisoning cannot be determined from this alone and the clinical and biochemical features must be taken into account. Elimination is increased by urinary alkalinisation, which is achieved by the administration of 1.26% sodium bicarbonate.The urine pH should be monitored. Correct metabolic acidosis with intravenous 8.4% sodium bicarbonate (first check serum potassium). Forced diuresis should not be used since it does not enhance salicylate excretion and may cause pulmonary oedema.

Haemodialysis is the treatment of choice for severe poisoning and should be considered in patients with plasma salicylate concentrations >700 mg/L (5.1 mmol/L) or lower concentrations associated with severe clinical or metabolic features. Patients under ten years or over 70 have increased risk of salicylate toxicity and may require dialysis at an earlier stage.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor excl. Heparin, ATC code: B01AC06

The antiplatelet effect of aspirin is largely unrelated to its systemic bioavailability and its duration of effect does not correlate with the presence of intact salicylic acid in the circulation. The antiplatelet effect is considered to be largely pre-systemic, associated with acetylation of platelet cyclo-oxygenase in the portal circulation.

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) irreversibly acetylates platelet cyclo-oxygenase thereby inhibiting the biosynthesis of thromboxane, a potent vasoconstrictor and inducer of platelet aggregation. It also inhibits the action of cyclo-oxygenase in the vascular endothelial wall preventing the synthesis of prostacyclin, a potent vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation.However, as the endothelial cell is capable of synthesising new cyclo-oxygenase, whereas the platelet is not, the effect on thromboxane is longer lasting.

Due to the low dose enteric-coated formulation of Aspirin 75mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets acetylsalicylic acid is slowly released into the portal circulation and is deacetylated by the liver to inactive salicylate before reaching the systemic circulation. It is postulated that platelets passing through the portal circulation are exposed to acetylsalicylic acid concentrations sufficient to achieve effective thromboxane inhibition, while systemic prostacyclin synthesis remains essentially unaffected.

Experimental data suggest that ibuprofen may inhibit the effect of low dose aspirin on platelet aggregation when they are dosed concomitantly. In one study, when a single dose of ibuprofen 400mg was taken within 8 hours before or within 30 minutes after immediate release aspirin dosing (81mg), a decreased effect of aspirin on the formation of thromboxane or platelet aggregation occurred. However, the limitations of these data and the uncertainties regarding extrapolation of ex-vivo data to the clinical situation imply that no firm conclusions can be made for regular ibuprofen use, and no clinically relevant effect is considered to be likely for occasional ibuprofen use.

Aspirin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration of conventional release preparations, with some hydrolysis to salicylate before absorption. Absorption is delayed by the presence of food and is impaired in patients suffering migraine attacks.Absorption is more rapid in patients with achlorhydria and also following administration of polysorbates and antacids. Plasma concentrations of the drug increase disproportionately to the dose; e.g. a 325 mg dose having a half-life of 2-3 hours and higher doses showing lower plasma concentrations in the presence of an increased half-life due to a disproportionate increase in the volume of distribution.

Aspirin is found in saliva, milk, plasma and synovial fluid at concentrations less than in blood and crosses the placenta. Salicylate/protein binding extensive. Aspirin/protein binding to a small extent. In the blood, rapid hydrolysis to salicylic acid; glucuronic acid/glycine conjugation to form glucuronides and salicyluronic acid. Salicylate reabsorbed by renal tubules in acid urine, and alkaline diuresis will increase the rate of excretion; 85% of dose excreted as free salicylate.

The absolute bioavailability of aspirin from Aspirin 75mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets (compared with intravenous aspirin solution) is approximately 25%.

There are no pre-clinical data of relevance to the prescriber which are additional to that already included in other sections of the Summary of Product Characteristics.

Microcrystalline celluloseLactose monohydrateCorn starchColloidal anhydrous silica

Stearic acid

Enteric coating constituents:

Methacrylic acid - ethyl acrylate copolymer (1:1) dispersion 30%

TalcTriethyl citrate

Not applicable

3 years

Do not store above 25°C

Blister made of PVDC opaque (child resistant aluminium blister foil)28, 56, 84 or 100 tablets per pack

Not all pack sizes may be marketed

No special requirements

Dexcel^®-Pharma Ltd.7 Sopwith Way

Drayton Fields, Daventry,

Northamptonshire NN11 8PB

UK

PL 14017/0022

16/05/2005

18/07/2018