Drug Class: Antiplatelet Agent / Low-Dose NSAID | Form: Enteric-Coated Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Ascard 75mg Tablet?
Ascard 75mg contains low-dose enteric-coated Aspirin — one of the most widely prescribed medicines in the world for long-term heart and stroke protection. At this low dose, Aspirin works primarily as an antiplatelet agent rather than a pain reliever. It permanently blocks the COX-1 enzyme in platelets, stopping them from producing Thromboxane A2 — a chemical that causes platelets to clump together and form dangerous clots inside blood vessels. The enteric coating protects the stomach lining by allowing the tablet to dissolve in the small intestine rather than the stomach.
What is Ascard 75mg Used For?
- Prevention of heart attack (myocardial infarction) — in patients with established cardiovascular disease or high risk (دل کا دورہ)
- Stroke prevention — reducing risk of ischaemic stroke caused by blood clots (فالج)
- Unstable angina — managing chest pain and preventing acute coronary events (سینے کا درد)
- Post-cardiac surgery — preventing clot formation after bypass surgery or stent placement
- Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) — secondary prevention after a mini-stroke event
How Does Ascard 75mg Work?
Aspirin irreversibly inhibits COX-1 enzyme in platelets — permanently disabling each platelet's ability to trigger clot formation for its entire lifespan (7–10 days). Because platelets cannot repair themselves, this antiplatelet effect lasts until new platelets are produced by the body. At 75mg, this antiplatelet effect is maximised while keeping anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal side effects to a minimum compared to higher analgesic doses.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never stop this medicine without medical advice — sudden discontinuation increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.
| Indication | Usual Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular prevention | 75mg | Once daily |
| Post-stent / post-surgery | 75mg | Once daily as directed |
| Unstable angina / TIA | 75mg | Once daily |
- Swallow whole with a full glass of water — do not crush or chew the enteric coating
- Take at the same time each day — with or after food to further reduce stomach irritation
- Never double the dose if a dose is missed
Active Ingredient
| Ingredient | Strength per Tablet |
|---|---|
| Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) | 75mg |
Who Should NOT Take Ascard 75mg?
- Known allergy to Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or any NSAID
- Active stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding
- Severe kidney or liver disease
- Haemophilia or other bleeding disorders
- Children and teenagers under 16 years — risk of Reye's syndrome
- Third trimester of pregnancy — absolutely contraindicated
Consult your doctor before use if you have: history of stomach ulcers, asthma (especially aspirin-sensitive asthma), kidney disease, high blood pressure, or are taking other blood thinners.
Side Effects
Common:
- Stomach discomfort or mild indigestion — reduced by enteric coating and taking with food
- Easy bruising or longer bleeding time after cuts
- Mild nausea
Serious — seek medical attention immediately:
- Gastrointestinal bleeding — black tarry stools, vomiting blood (یہ طبی ہنگامی صورتحال ہے)
- Severe allergic reaction — facial swelling, difficulty breathing, widespread rash
- Signs of bleeding in the brain — sudden severe headache, vision changes, weakness
- Worsening of asthma — sudden wheezing or chest tightness after taking the tablet
Drug Interactions
| Medicine | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Warfarin / Clopidogrel | Significantly increased bleeding risk — requires close medical monitoring |
| Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen) | Ibuprofen may block Aspirin's antiplatelet effect — take Aspirin 2 hours before Ibuprofen |
| Methotrexate | Aspirin increases Methotrexate toxicity — avoid combination |
| Antihypertensives / diuretics | Aspirin may reduce their blood pressure lowering effect |
| SSRIs (e.g., Fluoxetine) | Combined use increases gastrointestinal bleeding risk |
| Alcohol (شراب) | Increases stomach bleeding risk — avoid completely |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C away from moisture and direct sunlight
- Keep in original blister pack until use
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not use after expiry date on the pack
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I stop taking Ascard 75mg if I feel fine? Never stop without your doctor's advice — stopping suddenly after a heart attack or stent placement significantly increases the risk of a dangerous blood clot forming within days.
Q: Why is Ascard enteric-coated and does it make a difference? Yes — the enteric coating prevents the tablet dissolving in the stomach, reducing direct stomach irritation and lowering the risk of ulcers with long-term daily use.
Q: Can I take Ascard 75mg with Ibuprofen for pain relief? Avoid regular combined use — Ibuprofen competes with Aspirin for the same enzyme and can block its heart-protective antiplatelet effect. Consult your doctor for safe pain relief alternatives.
Q: Is Ascard 75mg safe for long-term daily use? Yes, when prescribed for cardiovascular protection — but regular medical review is essential to monitor for stomach bleeding and other long-term risks, particularly in elderly patients.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This description is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping this medicine. Never discontinue antiplatelet therapy without medical guidance.
DRAP Registered | Prescription Required (Rx) | Swallow whole — never stop without doctor's advice — avoid NSAIDs and alcohol during treatment