In an adult with inflammatory pleural effusion and no contraindications (no active peptic ulcer disease, severe renal impairment, uncontrolled asthma, or concurrent anticoagulation), what is the appropriate oral aspirin dosing regimen, and how should it be adjusted for patients over 65 years, borderline renal function, or increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk?

Aspirin Should Not Be Used for Inflammatory Pleural Effusion

Aspirin is not indicated for the treatment of pleural effusion. The evidence provided addresses aspirin's role in cardiovascular disease prevention and diabetes management, not inflammatory pleural conditions. None of the guidelines or research studies discuss aspirin dosing for pleural effusion specifically.

Why This Question Cannot Be Answered from the Evidence

The provided evidence exclusively covers:

• Cardiovascular disease prevention (primary and secondary) 1, 2
• Diabetes-related cardiovascular risk reduction 1
• Antiplatelet therapy for thrombotic events 1, 3
• Gastrointestinal bleeding risks 1, 4, 5, 6

None of these sources address pleural effusion management. 1, 2, 4

Critical Clinical Distinction

Pleural effusion requires a completely different therapeutic approach than cardiovascular disease:

• Inflammatory pleural effusions typically require treatment of the underlying cause (infection, malignancy, autoimmune disease) rather than aspirin therapy [@general medical knowledge]
• NSAIDs (including aspirin) may actually be contraindicated in certain pleural conditions, particularly when there is concern for bleeding or when the effusion is exudative [@general medical knowledge]

What the Evidence Does Tell Us About Aspirin

If aspirin were to be considered for any anti-inflammatory purpose (which is NOT supported for pleural effusion):

• Anti-inflammatory doses historically required 500-1,500 mg/day, far exceeding antiplatelet doses of 75-162 mg/day 1
• Higher doses significantly increase gastrointestinal bleeding risk without proportional benefit 1
• Aspirin inhibits COX-1 at low doses (antiplatelet effect) but requires much higher doses to inhibit COX-2 (anti-inflammatory effect) 3

Critical Contraindications Relevant to Pleural Disease

Aspirin should be avoided in patients with:

• Active peptic ulcer disease 1, 4
• Recent gastrointestinal bleeding 1, 4
• Bleeding tendency or anticoagulant therapy 1, 4
• Severe renal impairment (where many pleural effusion patients may have comorbidities) 4, 7
• Clinically active hepatic disease 1

Recommended Approach

**For inflammatory pleural effusion management, consult pulmonology or infectious disease guidelines specific to pleural disease.