From the Guidelines
The recommended dosage of low-dose Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) for infants is 1 to 5 mg/kg per day. This dosage is based on the guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians, which suggests that aspirin be used in doses of 1 to 5 mg/kg per day for antiplatelet therapy in children 1.
Important Considerations
When considering the use of aspirin in infants, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, including the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can occur in children taking salicylates during active infection with varicella or influenza 1.
Dosage and Administration
The dosage of 1 to 5 mg/kg per day is recommended, with some studies suggesting a commonly used dose of 3 to 5 mg/kg per day, which may be reduced to 1 to 3 mg/kg in response to gastric distress or prolonged epistaxis 1.
Monitoring and Precautions
It is crucial to monitor infants taking aspirin for any signs of adverse effects, including bleeding, and to take precautions to minimize the risk of Reye's syndrome, such as administering annual influenza immunization and verifying the status of varicella vaccination 1.
Clinical Decision-Making
In clinical practice, the decision to use aspirin in infants should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual child's risk factors and medical history, and in consultation with a healthcare provider. The most recent and highest quality study should guide clinical decision-making, and in this case, the guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians provide the most up-to-date recommendations 1.
From the Research
Dosage of Low-Dose Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin) for Infants
There are no research papers provided to assist in answering this question regarding the dosage of low-dose Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) for infants. The studies provided focus on the use of aspirin in adults, particularly in the context of preeclampsia prevention and essential thrombocythemia treatment.
Available Information on Aspirin Dosage
- The studies provided discuss the use of low-dose aspirin in adults, with dosages ranging from 40 mg to 162 mg per day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends the use of low-dose aspirin (81 mg/d) as preventive medication for preeclampsia after 12 weeks of gestation in persons who are at high risk for preeclampsia 4.
- A study comparing every-third-day versus daily low-dose aspirin therapy found that 81 mg of aspirin every day achieved 85% inhibition of serum thromboxane B2 concentrations 5.
- Another study argued for 81-mg dosing of aspirin for preeclampsia prophylaxis, citing insufficient high-quality data to justify the use of a higher dosage 6.