UNDERSTAND YOUR MEDICATION

Aspirin Beta-Blockers Calcium Channel Blockers Diuretics (Water tablets')                                                  
Fibrates:   Nitrates   Statins     Warfarin                                                      

 Aspirin COMMON PREPARATIONS USED?  Soluble aspirin
needs to be dissolved in water: enteric coated tablets are designed
to help prevent gastric irritation and must be swallowed whole not
dissolved or chewed. Regular aspirin should be swallowed whole.

WHAT ARE THEY
Aspirin reduces the risk of a first or another heart attack.
It is prescribed to lower the chances of blood clots forming. Blood clots can be
responsible for causing a heart attack.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Aspirin makes ‘platelets’ (blood particles) less sticky. Platelets start the formation of
blood clots which can be responsible for causing a heart attack. Less sticky blood
means less chance of a blood clot forming and less chance of having a heart attack.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR & SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
As aspirin affects the blood’s ability to clot, you may bleed or bruise easily.
To avoid aspirin irritating the stomach, take it with food, milk or after a meal. If
 you start to suffer with bad indigestion or abdominal pain, you should contact
 your practice nurse or GP.
Be aware that some other medications (especially cough or cold mixtures)
 obtained over the pharmacy counter contain aspirin. It is best to check that it does
 not contain aspirin. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist.
In the rare situation that you are allergic to aspirin, you would start to wheeze after
taking it. You should contact your doctor immediately.       Next Page