Neonatal Drug Therapy Manual

Acetylsalicylic Acid, ASA

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO and Ottawa Hospital online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Updated March 5, 2024 - 2:29pm

Alternate Name(s): 
Aspirin, Asaphen
Classification: 
Antiplatelet Agent
Original Date: 
February 2009
Revised Date: 
Indications: 
  • Patients following cardiovascular surgery including the Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt surgery, primary prophylaxis
Administration: 
  • PO: may administer with feeds to decrease GI upset
Dosage: 
  • 5 mg/kg/day given as a single daily dose
  • Available as 80 mg chewable tablet.  Round dose to the nearest 1/4 tablet
Side Effects: 
  • Dermatologic: rash
  • GI: GI bleeding, ulcers
  • Hematologic: inhibition of platelet aggregation
Parameters to Monitor: 
  • Signs of GI bleeding
Reconstitution and Stability: 

N/A

Compatibility: 

N/A

Notes: 
References: 

-Tamisier D, Vouhe P, Vernant F, at al. Modified BT shunts result in infants less than 3 months of age. Ann Thorac Surg. 1990; 49: 797-801.

-Taketomo CK, Hodding JH, Kraus DM. Pediatric Dosage Handbook 16th Edition. Hudson: Lexi-Comp Inc.; 2009.

-Lau E. (Editor). Drug Handbook and Formulary- The Hospital for Sick Children. Toronto: 2009-2010.

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