Description:

Aspirin 75mg Dispersible Tablets (often branded or labelled as ASPAR or similar generics in some markets) is a low-dose, dispersible aspirin formulation primarily used for its antiplatelet (blood-thinning) effects. It helps prevent blood clots, reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes) in high-risk individuals (e.g., those with previous heart attack, stroke, angina, or certain vascular diseases). The 75mg dose is standard for cardiovascular protection (not for pain/fever relief like higher doses). The dispersible form dissolves in water for easier swallowing or administration. In Ghana (Accra), low-dose dispersible aspirin 75mg (including ASPAR-labelled packs) is a common, affordable prescription medication in pharmacies (e.g., Country Medical Pharmacy, Trafalgar Gate Pharma, Vafy Pharmacy) for long-term cardiovascular prevention.

Prescription:

Prescription-only in Ghana (requires a doctor’s prescription; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx for cardiovascular risk assessment and monitoring; not freely OTC for long-term use, though some pharmacies sell it without Rx in practice).

Therapeutic Category:

Antiplatelet Agent / Antithrombotic (Low-dose aspirin for secondary prevention of thrombotic events.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) – 75 mg per dispersible tablet. Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Lactose monohydrate, sodium saccharin, potato starch, citric acid, calcium carbonate, talc, sodium lauryl sulfate, and other tableting aids. Tablets are white/off-white, dispersible (dissolve in water), and often scored.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Aspirin 75mg Dispersible Tablets (standard 75mg strength; common pack sizes 28, 100, or 100 tablets). Related variants: ASPAR Dispersible Aspirin 75mg (same product under ASPAR Pharmaceuticals branding), higher-dose dispersible aspirin 300mg (for pain/fever), enteric-coated aspirin 75mg (for stomach protection), or combinations (e.g., aspirin + clopidogrel). The 75mg dispersible is the most common for cardiovascular use.

Consume Type:

Oral – Dispersible tablet (dissolve in a small amount of water before swallowing; can be swallowed whole if preferred, but dispersible form aids absorption).

Directions/Usage: Take as prescribed (usually once daily).

• Adults: 1 tablet (75 mg) once daily (often long-term for cardiovascular protection).
• Take with or after food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Dissolve in water for easier administration if needed (stir until dissolved).
• Duration: Long-term (often lifelong) as advised by doctor; do not stop without medical advice (rebound thrombosis risk).
• Do not exceed dose; monitor as per doctor’s instructions.

Common Side Effects: Common (mild):

• Stomach upset, heartburn, indigestion (less with dispersible/low-dose).
• Increased bleeding risk (e.g., bruising, nosebleeds). Other: Nausea, rash. Rare/serious (seek immediate help): Stomach ulcers/bleeding (black stools, vomiting blood), severe allergic reactions (rash/swelling/breathing difficulty), tinnitus (ringing in ears), or hemorrhagic stroke.

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 tablets per strip, packs of 10×10 = 100 tablets or smaller like 28 tablets; foil blisters in carton with patient information leaflet).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Low-dose aspirin increases bleeding risk—avoid if active bleeding, stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, or before surgery/dental procedures (stop 7–10 days prior if advised).
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to aspirin/NSAIDs, active peptic ulcer, severe liver/kidney disease, or children under 16 with viral illness (Reye’s syndrome risk).
• Caution in asthma (aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease), gout, pregnancy (avoid in third trimester), breastfeeding, or elderly.
• Avoid alcohol (increases GI bleeding risk).
• If black stools, vomiting blood, severe headache, or chest pain occurs, seek immediate medical care.
• Regular monitoring (e.g., blood tests) may be needed for long-term use.

Product Substitutes: Similar low-dose dispersible aspirin 75mg tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic dispersible aspirin 75mg (various importers).
• ASPAR Dispersible Aspirin 75mg (same or similar product).
• Accord Dispersible Aspirin 75mg.
• Almus Dispersible Aspirin 75mg. Alternatives: Enteric-coated aspirin 75mg (e.g., for stomach protection), clopidogrel (Plavix generics), or other antiplatelets (consult doctor). Available at pharmacies like Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy in Accra.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Aspar Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (UK-based for ASPAR branding; generics often from Accord, Almus, or other suppliers). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked at outlets like Country Medical Pharmacy, Trafalgar Gate Pharma, Beybee Pharmacy).

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom or India (ASPAR-branded dispersible aspirin 75mg often manufactured in the UK by Aspar Pharmaceuticals Ltd.; generics commonly from India imported to Ghana).