Description:

Aspirin Cardio  is a low-dose enteric-coated aspirin tablet designed for cardiovascular protection. It is used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other thrombotic events in patients with known cardiovascular disease (secondary prevention) or in high-risk individuals (primary prevention when recommended by a doctor). The low dose (typically 75 mg or 100 mg) inhibits platelet aggregation (blood clotting) with minimal effect on the stomach lining due to the enteric coating, which dissolves in the intestine rather than the stomach.

Prescription: Prescription-only (Rx) in many regulated markets, although low-dose aspirin is sometimes available over-the-counter (OTC) for cardiovascular use in some countries. In Ghana, it is commonly sold with or without prescription, but medical advice is strongly recommended due to bleeding risks.

Therapeutic Category:

Antiplatelet agent / Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for cardiovascular prevention (low-dose aspirin for antithrombotic effect).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

Active ingredient: Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) 75 mg or 100 mg per tablet (enteric-coated). Excipients: Cellulose, corn starch, methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer (enteric coating), talc, triethyl citrate, and others (refer to label for full list).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant: Enteric-coated low-dose tablets (commonly 75 mg or 100 mg strength; the most common variant is 100 mg in many markets).

Consume Type:

Oral (tablet; swallow whole with water; do not crush or chew to preserve enteric coating).

Directions/Usage: Adults: Usually 1 tablet (75 mg or 100 mg) once daily. Take at the same time each day, preferably after food to further reduce gastric irritation. Use long-term for cardiovascular protection as prescribed. Do not stop abruptly without medical advice (rebound clotting risk). Follow your doctor’s exact instructions.

Common Side Effects:

• Mild stomach upset or heartburn (less common due to enteric coating)
• Increased risk of bleeding (e.g., bruising, nosebleeds, gastrointestinal bleeding)
• Allergic reactions (rash, asthma exacerbation in sensitive individuals) Serious rare: Gastrointestinal bleeding/ulcer, intracranial bleeding, severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), Reye’s syndrome (in children/teens with viral illness).

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 28 or 30 tablets per pack; enteric-coated tablets in foil-aluminum blisters, in carton box with patient 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. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Increased bleeding risk — inform your doctor before surgery, dental procedures, or if taking other blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel).
• Contraindicated in active bleeding, recent peptic ulcer, known aspirin allergy, or children/teens with viral illness (Reye’s syndrome risk).
• Caution in asthma (may trigger bronchospasm), gout, severe kidney/liver disease, or history of stomach ulcers.
• Pregnancy: Avoid in third trimester (Category D); consult doctor. Breastfeeding: Use with caution.
• Do not use for pain/fever at this low dose (use regular aspirin 325–500 mg for that).
• Report black stools, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain, or unusual bleeding immediately.

Product Substitutes: Other low-dose enteric-coated aspirin: Bayer Aspirin Cardio, Cardio Aspirin generics, Disprin CV, or brands like Aspilet, Aspenter, or generic 75/100 mg enteric aspirin. Alternatives for cardiovascular protection: Clopidogrel, ticagrelor, or statins — consult cardiologist.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Bayer AG (original innovator and manufacturer of Aspirin Cardio).

Country of Origin:

Germany (manufactured by Bayer in Germany or EU facilities; widely imported to Ghana and other markets).