Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka
Low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular prevention – 75 mg enteric-coated tablets
Quick Facts About Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka
Key Takeaways
- Low-dose aspirin for heart protection: Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka 75 mg is used as secondary prevention in patients with established cardiovascular disease, not for general pain relief
- Take once daily, do not crush: Swallow the enteric-coated tablet whole with water. Crushing or chewing destroys the gastro-resistant coating and increases stomach irritation
- Increased bleeding risk: Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet function for 7-10 days. Tell your doctor and dentist that you take this medication before any procedure
- Avoid ibuprofen co-administration: Regular ibuprofen use can reduce the cardioprotective effect of low-dose aspirin. Use paracetamol for pain relief when possible
- Do not stop suddenly: Never stop taking Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka without consulting your doctor, as abrupt discontinuation may increase the risk of cardiovascular events
What Is Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka and What Is It Used For?
Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka is a low-dose aspirin (75 mg) in enteric-coated tablet form, used to prevent blood clots in patients at high risk of cardiovascular events. It is prescribed for secondary prevention after heart attack, stroke, unstable angina, and in patients with peripheral arterial disease or following coronary artery bypass surgery.
Acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin, is one of the most widely used medications in the world. While higher doses of aspirin (300-1000 mg) are used for pain relief, fever reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects, Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka contains a much lower dose of 75 mg, specifically formulated for its antiplatelet (blood-thinning) properties. At this low dose, aspirin primarily works by preventing platelets – small blood cells involved in clotting – from aggregating and forming dangerous blood clots in narrowed arteries.
The medication belongs to the pharmacological class of antiplatelet agents and is classified under ATC code B01AC06 (antithrombotic agents). It is manufactured by KRKA d.d., Novo mesto, a major European generic pharmaceutical company headquartered in Slovenia. The enteric coating distinguishes this formulation from standard aspirin tablets, as it is specifically designed to pass through the stomach intact and dissolve in the small intestine, thereby reducing direct gastric irritation.
Approved indications
Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka 75 mg is indicated for the following conditions, as recommended by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and in line with European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines:
- Secondary prevention of myocardial infarction: Reducing the risk of a recurrent heart attack in patients who have previously experienced one
- Prevention of cardiovascular events in stable angina pectoris: Long-term management to reduce the risk of thrombotic events in patients with chronic coronary artery disease
- Prevention after unstable angina: Reducing the risk of progression to myocardial infarction or cardiac death
- Prevention of graft occlusion following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): Maintaining patency of bypass grafts
- Secondary prevention of transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) and ischaemic stroke: Reducing the risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events
- Peripheral arterial disease: Reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with atherosclerotic disease of the peripheral arteries
Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka is primarily used for secondary prevention – meaning it is prescribed for patients who already have established cardiovascular disease. For primary prevention (in healthy individuals without cardiovascular disease), the use of low-dose aspirin is more controversial and must be carefully weighed against the bleeding risk. Current ESC and AHA/ACC guidelines generally do not recommend routine aspirin use for primary prevention in most patients.
How does Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka work?
Acetylsalicylic acid exerts its antiplatelet effect by irreversibly inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) in platelets. This enzyme is essential for the production of thromboxane A2, a powerful stimulator of platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction. By blocking COX-1, even a single low dose of aspirin prevents the platelet from producing thromboxane A2 for the entire lifespan of that platelet, which is approximately 7-10 days.
This is why low-dose aspirin is effective when taken once daily – each dose inactivates a proportion of circulating platelets, and because new platelets are constantly being produced by the bone marrow, a daily dose ensures that a sufficient proportion of platelets remain inhibited at all times. The Antithrombotic Trialists' Collaboration meta-analysis, published in The Lancet, demonstrated that low-dose aspirin reduces the risk of serious vascular events by approximately 25% in high-risk patients.
The enteric coating ensures that the tablet passes through the stomach without dissolving. This is achieved through a polymer coating that resists the acidic pH of gastric juice (pH 1-3) but dissolves readily in the more alkaline environment of the duodenum and jejunum (pH 6-7). While the enteric coating delays absorption slightly compared to plain aspirin, this does not affect the long-term antiplatelet efficacy when taken daily for chronic prevention.
What Should You Know Before Taking Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka?
Do not take Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka if you have active stomach ulcers, a bleeding disorder, aspirin allergy, severe liver or kidney failure, or if you are in the third trimester of pregnancy. Always inform your doctor about all medications you take, as aspirin interacts with many drugs including anticoagulants, other NSAIDs, and methotrexate.
Contraindications
You must not take Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka in the following situations. These are absolute contraindications where the risks clearly outweigh any potential benefits:
- Known hypersensitivity to aspirin or other NSAIDs: This includes patients who have experienced asthma, angioedema, urticaria, or rhinitis triggered by aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This condition, sometimes called aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) or Samter's triad, affects approximately 7% of asthma patients
- Active peptic ulceration or history of gastrointestinal bleeding: Aspirin inhibits prostaglandin production in the gastric mucosa, which reduces the stomach's protective barrier. Active ulcers significantly increase the risk of life-threatening gastrointestinal haemorrhage
- Haemophilia or other bleeding disorders: Conditions such as von Willebrand disease, thrombocytopenia, or other coagulation defects make aspirin use dangerous due to the additive effect on bleeding risk
- Severe hepatic impairment: The liver metabolises aspirin, and severe liver disease can lead to impaired coagulation factor synthesis, further increasing bleeding risk
- Severe renal impairment (GFR <30 mL/min): Aspirin may further reduce renal blood flow through prostaglandin inhibition and accumulate to toxic levels
- Third trimester of pregnancy: Aspirin at any dose can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, prolonged labour, and increased maternal and fetal bleeding
- Methotrexate doses ≥15 mg/week: Aspirin reduces the renal clearance of methotrexate, potentially leading to severe methotrexate toxicity
Warnings and precautions
Special care is needed if you have any of the following conditions. Your doctor will weigh the benefits against the risks and may need to adjust your treatment or monitor you more closely:
- History of peptic ulcer disease: Even healed ulcers increase the risk of recurrence with aspirin use. Your doctor may prescribe a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as omeprazole for gastroprotection
- Uncontrolled hypertension: Blood pressure should be controlled before starting aspirin therapy, as uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of haemorrhagic stroke
- Gout or hyperuricaemia: Low-dose aspirin can increase uric acid levels by reducing renal urate excretion, potentially triggering gout attacks
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency: High doses of aspirin may cause haemolytic anaemia in susceptible individuals, though this is less of a concern at the 75 mg dose
- Asthma: Approximately 10-20% of adult asthma patients may experience aspirin-sensitive asthma. Exercise caution and discuss with your doctor
- Planned surgery or dental procedures: Because aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet function, its effects persist for 7-10 days after the last dose. Inform your surgeon and anaesthetist well in advance
Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka must not be given to children or adolescents under 16 years of age unless specifically directed by a doctor. Aspirin use in children with viral infections (particularly influenza and chickenpox) has been associated with Reye syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition causing acute encephalopathy and fatty liver degeneration. This association led to global public health recommendations against aspirin use in children.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The use of Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka during pregnancy depends on the trimester and the specific clinical indication:
- First and second trimester: Low-dose aspirin (75-150 mg) may be prescribed during early pregnancy for specific indications, such as the prevention of pre-eclampsia in women at high risk. This use is supported by evidence from the ASPRE trial and is recommended by the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (ISSHP). However, it should only be used on medical advice
- Third trimester (from week 28): Aspirin is contraindicated at all doses. It can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, inhibition of labour, and increased bleeding risk for both mother and baby
- Breastfeeding: Low-dose aspirin (75 mg) passes into breast milk in very small amounts. While occasional use is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, regular use requires medical supervision. The WHO considers low-dose aspirin compatible with breastfeeding when clinically necessary
How Does Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka Interact with Other Drugs?
Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka has clinically significant interactions with anticoagulants (warfarin, DOACs), other NSAIDs (especially ibuprofen), methotrexate, SSRIs, corticosteroids, and several other drug classes. Always provide a complete medication list to your doctor and pharmacist. Some interactions increase bleeding risk, while others may reduce aspirin's cardioprotective effect.
Drug interactions with aspirin are important to understand because they can either increase the risk of serious adverse effects (particularly bleeding) or reduce the therapeutic benefit of aspirin or the co-administered drug. The following tables outline the most clinically important interactions.
Major interactions
| Drug / Drug Class | Interaction Effect | Clinical Significance | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists | Synergistic increase in bleeding risk; aspirin impairs platelet function while warfarin inhibits clotting factors | High – significantly increased risk of major haemorrhage | Use only when clearly indicated (e.g., mechanical heart valves). Close INR monitoring required |
| Methotrexate (≥15 mg/week) | Aspirin reduces renal clearance of methotrexate, increasing its plasma concentration and toxicity risk | High – risk of bone marrow suppression, mucositis, hepatotoxicity | Combination contraindicated at high methotrexate doses. At low doses (<15 mg/week), use with caution |
| Other antiplatelet agents (clopidogrel, ticagrelor, prasugrel) | Additive antiplatelet effect, synergistically increasing bleeding risk | High – but dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is intentionally used after acute coronary syndrome and stent placement | Used intentionally in DAPT protocols. Duration determined by cardiologist based on indication |
| Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs: apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, edoxaban) | Significant increase in bleeding risk when combined with antiplatelet therapy | High – triple therapy (DOAC + aspirin + clopidogrel) carries the highest risk | Minimise duration of combination therapy. Assess bleeding risk regularly |
Minor interactions
| Drug / Drug Class | Interaction Effect | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen (and other NSAIDs) | Ibuprofen can competitively inhibit aspirin's binding to COX-1, reducing its antiplatelet effect. Also increases GI bleeding risk | Avoid regular ibuprofen use. If occasional use is needed, take aspirin at least 30 minutes before ibuprofen |
| SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline, etc.) | SSRIs inhibit serotonin uptake in platelets, impairing platelet aggregation. Additive bleeding risk with aspirin | Monitor for signs of bleeding. Consider gastroprotection with a PPI |
| Systemic corticosteroids | Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Corticosteroids may also increase aspirin clearance | Co-prescribe a PPI for gastroprotection. Monitor for GI symptoms |
| ACE inhibitors and ARBs | Aspirin may reduce the antihypertensive effect and renal protective effects of ACE inhibitors/ARBs at higher doses | At 75 mg dose, interaction is generally not clinically significant. Monitor blood pressure |
| Diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) | Aspirin may reduce the diuretic and natriuretic effects through prostaglandin inhibition in the kidney | Monitor fluid balance and blood pressure. Usually not clinically significant at 75 mg |
| Valproic acid | Aspirin displaces valproic acid from protein binding, increasing free valproic acid levels | Monitor valproic acid levels and clinical effect |
| Alcohol | Synergistic increase in gastrointestinal bleeding risk. Alcohol also irritates the gastric mucosa | Minimise alcohol intake. Avoid heavy or binge drinking |
If you occasionally need ibuprofen for pain, the FDA recommends taking aspirin at least 30 minutes before or at least 8 hours after ibuprofen. This timing minimises the risk of ibuprofen blocking aspirin's antiplatelet effect. Alternatively, consider using paracetamol (acetaminophen) for pain relief, as it does not interfere with aspirin's cardiovascular benefits.
What Is the Correct Dosage of Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka?
The standard adult dose is one 75 mg tablet taken once daily, swallowed whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break the enteric-coated tablet. Take at the same time each day, preferably with or after food. The duration of treatment is typically long-term (lifelong in most cardiovascular prevention scenarios) as directed by your doctor.
Adults
Standard cardiovascular prevention dose
Dose: 75 mg (one tablet) once daily
Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the tablet, as this destroys the enteric coating and increases the risk of gastric irritation.
Timing: Take at the same time each day. Can be taken with or without food, though taking with food may help reduce stomach discomfort.
Duration: Treatment is typically long-term. In most cases of secondary cardiovascular prevention, aspirin is continued indefinitely unless contraindications develop or the prescribing doctor advises otherwise.
In some clinical scenarios, a higher initial loading dose may be used. For example, during acute coronary syndrome, guidelines recommend an initial loading dose of 150-300 mg of non-enteric-coated aspirin (chewed for rapid absorption), followed by a maintenance dose of 75-100 mg daily. Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka enteric-coated tablets are intended for the maintenance phase, not for acute loading.
| Indication | Loading Dose | Maintenance Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-myocardial infarction | 150-300 mg (plain aspirin, chewed) | 75 mg once daily | Lifelong |
| Stable angina pectoris | Not usually required | 75 mg once daily | Lifelong |
| Post-CABG | Not usually required | 75 mg once daily | Lifelong |
| Post-ischaemic stroke/TIA | 150-300 mg (plain aspirin) | 75 mg once daily | Lifelong |
| Peripheral arterial disease | Not usually required | 75 mg once daily | Lifelong |
| DAPT (with clopidogrel/ticagrelor) | Per acute protocol | 75 mg once daily | 6-12 months (per cardiologist) |
Children
Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka is not recommended for children and adolescents under 16 years of age due to the risk of Reye syndrome. There are very limited exceptions where a specialist physician may prescribe low-dose aspirin to children, such as in Kawasaki disease or for specific cardiac conditions following paediatric cardiac surgery. In these cases, the dose is individually determined by the paediatric specialist and carefully monitored.
Elderly
Elderly patients are at increased risk of both cardiovascular events and bleeding complications. The standard dose of 75 mg once daily is generally appropriate for elderly patients, but the risk-benefit balance must be carefully evaluated, particularly in patients over 75 years of age. The ASPREE trial demonstrated that in healthy elderly patients (≥70 years), aspirin did not prolong disability-free survival and was associated with a higher rate of major haemorrhage. Therefore, initiation of aspirin in elderly patients should be based on a clear clinical indication for secondary prevention.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If it is almost time for your next dose (i.e., you remember the next day), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed tablet. Missing a single dose of low-dose aspirin is unlikely to significantly affect your cardiovascular protection, as the antiplatelet effect of previously taken doses persists for several days.
Overdose
An overdose of acetylsalicylic acid can be serious and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of overdose (salicylism) may include:
- Mild toxicity (150-300 mg/kg): Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing impairment, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Moderate toxicity (300-500 mg/kg): Hyperventilation (rapid deep breathing), metabolic acidosis, sweating, dehydration, confusion
- Severe toxicity (>500 mg/kg): Hyperthermia, seizures, coma, respiratory failure, cardiovascular collapse
If you suspect an overdose, contact your local poison control centre or emergency services immediately, even if symptoms have not yet appeared. Bring the medication package with you. Treatment may include activated charcoal (if taken within 1-2 hours), alkalinisation of urine, intravenous fluid replacement, and in severe cases, haemodialysis. Find your emergency number →
What Are the Side Effects of Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka?
The most common side effects of low-dose aspirin include gastrointestinal symptoms (heartburn, nausea, stomach pain) and increased bleeding tendency (easy bruising, nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding from cuts). Serious but rare side effects include gastrointestinal haemorrhage, haemorrhagic stroke, and severe allergic reactions. The enteric coating helps reduce, but does not eliminate, stomach-related side effects.
Like all medicines, Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. The side effects listed below are categorised by frequency according to the standardised classification used by the European Medicines Agency. If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed here.
Very Common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Increased bleeding tendency (prolonged bleeding time due to platelet inhibition)
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- Dyspepsia (indigestion, heartburn, stomach discomfort)
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain (stomach ache)
- Easy bruising (ecchymosis)
- Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
- Gingival bleeding (bleeding gums)
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- Urticaria (hives, skin rash)
- Rhinitis (runny or blocked nose)
- Gastrointestinal ulceration (stomach or duodenal ulcers)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Iron deficiency anaemia (from chronic occult GI blood loss)
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
- Gastrointestinal haemorrhage (vomiting blood or black tarry stools)
- Haemorrhagic stroke (intracranial bleeding)
- Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
- Bronchospasm (aspirin-induced asthma)
- Angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat)
- Tinnitus and hearing impairment (usually at higher doses)
- Hepatic impairment (liver enzyme elevation, very rare at low doses)
- Renal impairment (decreased kidney function, very rare at low doses)
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Black, tarry stools (melaena) indicating gastrointestinal bleeding
- Severe or sudden headache, vision changes, confusion, or weakness on one side (may indicate haemorrhagic stroke)
- Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat (anaphylaxis or angioedema)
- Unusual or unexplained heavy bleeding from any site
Reducing side effects
Several strategies can help minimise the side effects associated with low-dose aspirin therapy. Discuss these with your doctor:
- Use the enteric-coated formulation: Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka is already enteric-coated, which reduces direct contact between the drug and the gastric mucosa
- Take with food: Although not strictly necessary for enteric-coated tablets, taking aspirin with meals may further reduce gastrointestinal symptoms
- Gastroprotection with a PPI: For patients at high risk of GI bleeding (e.g., history of ulcers, concurrent anticoagulant or NSAID use, age >65, H. pylori infection), co-prescription of a proton pump inhibitor (such as omeprazole or pantoprazole) is recommended by current guidelines
- Test and treat H. pylori: Eradication of H. pylori before starting long-term aspirin therapy significantly reduces the risk of peptic ulcer complications
- Avoid alcohol: Minimising alcohol intake reduces the additive risk of GI bleeding
How Should You Store Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka?
Store Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka at room temperature below 25°C in the original packaging to protect from moisture. Keep out of reach and sight of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging. Do not dispose of medicines in household waste or wastewater – return unused tablets to your pharmacy for safe disposal.
Proper storage of Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka is essential to maintain the integrity of both the active ingredient and the enteric coating. Exposure to moisture can compromise the coating, leading to premature dissolution in the stomach and reduced gastric protection. Similarly, exposure to excessive heat can accelerate degradation of acetylsalicylic acid into salicylic acid and acetic acid, reducing potency and potentially causing more stomach irritation.
- Temperature: Store below 25°C (77°F). Do not refrigerate or freeze
- Moisture: Keep tablets in the original blister packaging until use. Do not transfer to pill organisers for extended periods in humid environments
- Light: No special precautions for light protection are necessary, though storing in the original carton is recommended
- Expiry date: Check the expiry date on the carton and blister strip. Do not use the tablets after this date. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month
- Children: Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked medicine cabinet
- Disposal: Do not throw unused tablets in the household rubbish or flush them down the toilet. Return them to your local pharmacy, which can dispose of them safely in accordance with environmental regulations
If you notice that the tablets have changed colour, have a vinegar-like smell (indicating degradation to acetic acid), or the blister packaging appears damaged or punctured, do not use the tablets. Contact your pharmacist for a replacement.
What Does Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka Contain?
Each enteric-coated tablet contains 75 mg of acetylsalicylic acid as the active ingredient. The tablet core contains excipients including microcrystalline cellulose, maize starch, and silica. The enteric (gastro-resistant) coating is composed of methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer, which dissolves at pH >6 in the small intestine.
Active ingredient
Each tablet contains 75 mg acetylsalicylic acid (also known as aspirin or ASA). Acetylsalicylic acid is the ester form of salicylic acid, first synthesised in its pure form by Felix Hoffmann at Bayer in 1897. It remains on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and is one of the most thoroughly studied medications in history.
Inactive ingredients (excipients)
The inactive ingredients serve various pharmaceutical functions to ensure tablet integrity, proper release characteristics, and manufacturing consistency. While these ingredients are pharmacologically inactive, patients with known excipient sensitivities should review this list:
- Tablet core: Microcrystalline cellulose (binder/filler), maize starch (disintegrant), colloidal anhydrous silica (glidant), stearic acid (lubricant)
- Enteric coating: Methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer (1:1) dispersion 30% (gastro-resistant polymer), triethyl citrate (plasticiser), talc (anti-tack agent), titanium dioxide E171 (opacifier), simethicone emulsion (anti-foaming agent)
Appearance
Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka 75 mg tablets are white to off-white, round, biconvex, enteric-coated tablets. They are supplied in aluminium/aluminium blister packs. Pack sizes may vary by market but typically include 28, 30, 56, 60, 84, 90, 98, or 100 tablets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka
Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka 75 mg is a low-dose aspirin used to prevent cardiovascular events. It is prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots in patients with established cardiovascular disease, including those who have had a previous heart attack, unstable angina, ischaemic stroke, or peripheral arterial disease. It works by preventing platelets from clumping together to form blood clots in narrowed arteries.
You should avoid taking ibuprofen regularly with Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka, as ibuprofen can reduce the antiplatelet effect of aspirin. Occasional use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) is generally considered safe. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before combining medications, especially other NSAIDs, anticoagulants like warfarin, or corticosteroids, as these combinations increase bleeding risk.
The most common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, and indigestion. There is also an increased tendency to bleed, including nosebleeds and bruising more easily. The enteric coating on Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka tablets helps reduce stomach irritation compared to uncoated aspirin. If you experience persistent or troublesome side effects, speak with your doctor, who may recommend gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor.
Always consult your doctor before stopping Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka, especially before surgery or dental procedures. Because aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet function for 7-10 days, your doctor may advise stopping it 7 days before elective surgery to reduce bleeding risk. However, in patients with coronary stents or high cardiovascular risk, stopping aspirin can be dangerous and must be carefully weighed against surgical bleeding risk. Never stop aspirin on your own without medical advice.
The enteric coating (gastro-resistant coating) prevents the tablet from dissolving in the acidic environment of the stomach. Instead, the tablet dissolves in the alkaline environment of the small intestine. This helps reduce direct irritation of the stomach lining, which can cause symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, and ulcers. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed, as this would destroy the protective coating.
Alcohol consumption should be minimised while taking Acetylsalicylic Acid Krka. Alcohol increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, which is already elevated with aspirin use. Heavy or regular alcohol consumption significantly increases this risk. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation (no more than 14 units per week as recommended by general health guidelines) and discuss your alcohol habits with your doctor.
References
This article is based on the following peer-reviewed sources, clinical guidelines, and regulatory documents. All information has been reviewed for accuracy by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team.
- Antithrombotic Trialists' Collaboration. Collaborative meta-analysis of randomised trials of antiplatelet therapy for prevention of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke in high risk patients. BMJ. 2002;324(7329):71-86. doi:10.1136/bmj.324.7329.71
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Summary of Product Characteristics – Acetylsalicylic acid-containing medicinal products for oral use. Available at: www.ema.europa.eu
- Visseren FLJ, Mach F, Smulders R, et al. 2021 ESC Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice. European Heart Journal. 2021;42(34):3227-3337. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehab484
- Arnett DK, Blumenthal RS, Baez-Escudero JL, et al. 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation. 2019;140(11):e596-e646. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000678
- McNeil JJ, Wolfe R, Woods RL, et al. Effect of Aspirin on Disability-free Survival in the Healthy Elderly (ASPREE). New England Journal of Medicine. 2018;379(16):1499-1508. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1800722
- Rolnik DL, Wright D, Poon LC, et al. Aspirin versus Placebo in Pregnancies at High Risk for Preterm Preeclampsia (ASPRE). New England Journal of Medicine. 2017;377(7):613-622. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1704559
- World Health Organization. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines – 23rd List (2023). Geneva: WHO; 2023.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Antiplatelet treatment: Clinical guideline [CG181]. Updated 2024.
- British National Formulary (BNF). Aspirin – Antiplatelet Drugs. Available at: bnf.nice.org.uk
- Bhatt DL, Scheiman J, Abraham NS, et al. ACCF/ACG/AHA 2008 Expert Consensus Document on Reducing the Gastrointestinal Risks of Antiplatelet Therapy and NSAID Use. Circulation. 2008;118(18):1894-1909. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.191087
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This article was written and medically reviewed by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team, consisting of licensed specialist physicians with expertise in clinical pharmacology, cardiology, and internal medicine. Our team follows the GRADE evidence framework and bases all content on current international guidelines from the WHO, EMA, ESC, AHA/ACC, and peer-reviewed medical literature.
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