Ascard tablet 300mg

About Ascard tablet 300mg

Uses

• Long term prevention of heart attack in adults with confirmed coronary artery disease
• Secondary prevention of stroke after a transient ischemic attack or a confirmed ischemic stroke
• Reducing new clot formation after coronary artery bypass surgery, angioplasty or stent placement
• Ongoing antiplatelet protection in patients with stable or unstable angina
• Reducing cardiovascular risk in adults with peripheral artery disease
• Doctor directed use during a suspected heart attack, taken as a single chewed dose while awaiting emergency care

What Experts Say

Ascard belongs to the aspirin family, but its 300mg strength is not used the same way as everyday pain relief aspirin. At this dose it works mainly as an antiplatelet agent, stopping platelets from clumping together and forming the clots that trigger a heart attack or an ischemic stroke.

Cardiologists in Pakistan see a heavy burden of premature coronary artery disease, often linked to diabetes, high blood pressure and smoking. Aspirin therapy, including short courses at 300mg for secondary stroke prevention or during a suspected cardiac event, remains one of the most studied and cost effective ways to lower the risk of a second event.

Physicians generally caution against starting or stopping Ascard on your own. The decision depends on a person's actual cardiovascular risk profile, bleeding history and other medicines already being taken, which is why this tablet is only given after a proper clinical assessment.

Ascard tablet 300mg formula

• Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Ascard tablet 300mg?

• Take Ascard exactly as prescribed by your doctor, do not change the dose yourself
• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water, do not crush or chew it unless your doctor has told you to chew it during a suspected heart attack
• Take it after a meal to reduce stomach irritation
• Take it at the same time every day so the antiplatelet effect stays consistent
• Do not stop this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered, but skip it if the next dose is almost due

Drug Interactions

• Warfarin and other anticoagulants: Combining these with Ascard significantly raises the risk of serious bleeding
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac: Taking these together increases the risk of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding
• Clopidogrel and other antiplatelet drugs: Using more than one antiplatelet medicine at a time increases bleeding risk and needs close doctor supervision
• ACE inhibitors: High dose aspirin can reduce the blood pressure lowering effect of ACE inhibitors and affect kidney function
• Methotrexate: Ascard can raise methotrexate levels in the blood, increasing the risk of toxicity
• Corticosteroids: Long term use with steroids further increases the risk of stomach ulcers

Risks and warnings

• Bleeding risk: Ascard increases the risk of bleeding, including from the stomach, gums and skin bruising
• Stomach ulcer risk: Long term use can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Not for self directed use: This medicine should only be started after a doctor has diagnosed a real cardiovascular risk or event, not for general aches or fever
• Surgery and dental work: Tell your doctor or dentist you are taking Ascard before any planned surgery or procedure, since it may need to be paused temporarily
• Aspirin allergy or asthma: People with aspirin sensitive asthma or a known allergy to aspirin should avoid this medicine
• Pregnancy: Should be used in pregnancy only under direct medical supervision, particularly in the third trimester
• Children and teenagers: Should not be given to children or teenagers recovering from a viral illness due to the risk of Reye's syndrome
• Do not stop abruptly: Stopping Ascard suddenly without medical advice can raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke in some patients

Side Effects

• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Indigestion or mild stomach pain
• Easy bruising
• Minor bleeding from the gums or nose
• Ringing in the ears with prolonged high dose use
• Dizziness
• Allergic skin reactions such as rash or itching
• Black or tarry stools, which need urgent medical attention
• Vomiting blood or coffee ground vomit, which needs emergency care
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30 degrees Celsius in a cool, dry place
• Keep the tablets in their original blister pack away from moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Protect from direct sunlight
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack