Aspirin Associated Liver Toxicity – The Optimal Dose of Aspirin in Liver Insufficiency

Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) belongs to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Numerous studies have proven that aspirin reduces the signs and symptoms of inflammation and exhibited a broad range of pharmacological activities, including analgesic, antipyretic and antiplatelet properties. Previous studies suggested that beside the pharmacological activities aspirin was also associated with the side effects and toxicity of various doses and in various formulations. The present study is performed to explore the effects of aspirin in various doses (75mg (EC), 100mg, 150 (EC)mg and 300mg) in different preparation (enteric coated (EC), non-enteric coated) on liver enzymes (Serum glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT)) followed by daily administration for 10 days and for 30 days. We found that the SGOT level was increased by all doses of aspirin after 30 days of treatment, this effect was most significant at 75mg (EC) and 100mg dose, whereas at 150mg (EC) and 300mg was not very significant. The level of SGPT was decreased by all doses regardless of duration of treatment, only 75mg (EC) dose increased its level after 30 days of treatment, suggesting 75mg (EC) aspirin could be hepatotoxic due to lessen of anti-oxidant effects, furthermore suggests that patients with hepatic insufficiency should not receive 75mg (EC) dose of aspirin.