Comparative tolerability and safety of different drug formulations of acetylsalicylic acid

Abstract

Objective. To assess tolerability and safety of different forms of acetylsalicylic acid. Design and methods. 120 high-risk patients (100 males, 20 females; mean age 52,5 ± 4,5 years) were divided into 4 matching groups, each consisting of 30 patients, depending on the form of prescribed acetylsalicylic acid. Prescribed therapy included angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, lipid lowering drugs, vasodilatators and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (patients of 2 groups got enterosoluble aspirin, one group took magnesium compound ASA, and the fourth group got uncoated ASA). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) was performed at baseline and after 12 months of treatment. Results. After 12-month of treatment 20 patients developed gastric indigestion symptoms, and ulcereation were found in 15 patients (7 of them took uncoated ASA) by EGDS, 6 of them were asymptomatic. Conclusion. Nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drug gastropathy is more common in high-risk patients taking uncoated ASA as compared to those taking enterosoluble and magnesium compound ASA.