title: Cardiovascular prophylaxis and aspirin "allergy".
abstract: Aspirin is an important antiplatelet agent in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Aspirin "allergy" often directs the physician away from this potentially life-saving modality. The majority of patients with a history of "reactions to aspirin" have aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastritis, easy bruisability, or other side effects. The minority of these patients has a "true allergy," referred to as a hypersensitivity reaction. The former group can be started on aspirin without the need for special challenge. Adding a proton-pump inhibitor can often mitigate the gastrointestinal side effects. Patients with aspirin hypersensitivity can be safely challenged with aspirin.
authors: Division of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Scripps Clinic, San Diego, CA 92130, USA. Woessner.katharine@scrippshealth.org
authors: Katharine M
authors: KM
authors: Woessner
authors: Ronald A
authors: RA
authors: Simon
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D011292:Premedication
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001241:Aspirin