This active ingredient is in Aspirin Protect
The active ingredient in Aspirin Protect is acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). At concentrations above 500 mg, it has analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties based on the inhibition of two enzymes: the cyclooxygenases COX1 and COX2. These enzymes are responsible for the formation of certain inflammatory messengers (prostaglandins) and thromboxane A2, a biomolecule found mainly in blood platelets that activates them. A low dosage of up to 300 mg favors the binding of ASA to the COX1 enzyme. This prevents the formation of thromboxane A2 and stops blood clot formation. Thus, Aspirin Protect reduces the risk of suffering a heart attack due to its blood-thinning effect.
When is Aspirin Protect used?
Due to its low active ingredient content, Aspirin Protect is only suitable as a blood thinner.
Typical uses for Aspirin Protect (100 mg) are:
- chest tightness, heart pain
- acute heart attack
- prevention of a new heart attack or stroke
- after arterial occlusion (ACVB)
- vascular inflammation of small and medium arteries (Kawasaki syndrome)
Higher doses (300 mg) are used exclusively to prevent a new infarction.
What are the side effects of Aspirin Protect?
Rarely, cerebral hemorrhage (especially in patients with uncontrolled hypertension), hypotension, dyspnea, liver and biliary disorders are possible.
Very rarely, nose or gum bleeding, elevated liver enzymes, diseases of the kidney and urinary tract, and kidney dysfunction may occur.
What you should be aware of when using Aspirin Protect
Aspirin Protect may interact with other medicines. The effect of the drug may be strengthened or weakened as a result. For some groups of patients, taking the preparation carries a high risk, so a consultation with the doctor or pharmacist should take place before use.
Aspirin Protect: contraindications
The drug must not be taken if allergies to the active substance and other ingredients are known.
Furthermore, Aspirin Protect must not be taken in case of:
- acute stomach and intestinal ulcers
- increased bleeding tendency
- acute liver and kidney failure
- severe cardiac insufficiency
- pregnancy (last trimester)
Aspirin Protect should not be taken concomitantly with methotrexate, warfarin, cyclosporine, ibuprofen, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, steroids, and anti-inflammatories.
Caution when taking Aspirin Protect applies to:
- allergies, asthma, hay fever
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- impaired kidney and liver function
- stomach or intestinal ulcers
- before operations
Aspirin Protect can cause children with fever to develop the very rare but life-threatening Reye’s syndrome. Therefore, it must be discussed with the doctor to what extent treatment with the blood thinner is appropriate.
The typical Aspirin Protect dosage for stroke prevention is one tablet (100 mg) daily. If there is a possibility of another heart attack, three tablets of 100 mg of active ingredient each are taken per day. For the treatment of Kawasaki syndrome, 80 to 100 mg of active ingredient per kilogram of body weight is required daily, spread over four applications a day. Aspirin Protect is suitable for long-term therapy. The exact duration of treatment is prescribed by the doctor. The maximum daily dose of the active drug substance is 3 grams for adolescents and adults, and 1.5 grams for children up to 14 years of age.
Aspirin Protect overdose
Initial symptoms of overdose include ringing in the ears, sweating, nausea and vomiting, and dizziness. Furthermore, fever, hyperventilation, acidosis (disturbance of acid-base balance), and respiratory failure may occur as a result of high overdoses. Patients with suspected overdose with Aspirin Protect must receive immediate intensive medical care in the hospital.
Aspirin Protect: Pregnancy and Lactation
So far, no negative consequences for the breastfed child are known at doses up to 150 mg daily. At higher dosages, breastfeeding should be recommended, as the active substance can be transferred to the child via breast milk.
Aspirin Protect and alcohol
The combination of Aspirin Protect and alcohol may cause painful gastritis.
How to get Aspirin Protect
Aspirin Protect is a medicine available over the counter at all pharmacies.
Complete information about this medicine
Here you can find the complete information about the drug as a download (PDF).
