© 2022 MJH Life Sciences™ , Pharmacy Times – Pharmacy Practice News and Expert Insights. All rights reserved.
SMOKING WEAKENS ANTICLOTTING EFFECT OF ASPIRIN
Smokers may be12 times more resistantto the effectsof aspirin. Researchersrecently publishedthe findings ofa study designed to determine whichfactors predicted a poor response toaspirin. One third of the 123 subjectswere smokers. Patients were evaluatedbased on the dose of aspirin they weretaking. Eight of the 66 patients takinglow-dose (81 mg) aspirin were found tobe resistant to its effects. When thedose was increased to 325 mg, onlyone patient remained resistant. In thegroup that took 325 mg, 3 were resistant.Adding a dose of clopidogrelresulted in a response in 2 of these 3patients.
The authors concluded that smokingmay contribute to aspirin resistance.This finding further reinforces the needfor smoking cessation.
Dr. Garrett is a clinical pharmacistpractitioner at Cornerstone Health Carein High Point, NC.