Generic
Tranexamic Acid
47 brands available in the market
At a glance
Tranexamic Acid is used to treat bleeding. It helps to prevent or reduce bleeding in conditions like tooth removal, heavy periods, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, nosebleed and in any oral, prostate or bladder surgery.
Description
Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent that competitively inhibits breakdown of fibrin clots. It blocks binding of plasminogen and plasmin to fibrin, thereby preventing haemostatic plug dissolution.
Indications
- Bleeding
- Heavy periods
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- Nosebleed
- Tooth removal
- Prostate or bladder surgery
Therapeutic class
Anti-fibrinolytic drugs, Haemostatic drugs
Pharmacological class
Antifibrinolytic
Pharmacology
Tranexamic acid inhibits plasminogen activation (streptokinase, urokinase, tissue plasminogen activator). It prevents breakdown of fibrin clots, thereby controlling bleeding. At therapeutic doses, it does not interfere with clotting processes.
Mechanism of action
Blocks binding of plasminogen and plasmin to fibrin, preventing clot breakdown.
Dosage
Adult Dose:
- Oral: 1-1.5 g or 15-25 mg/kg twice or three times daily
- IV: 0.5-1 g or 10 mg/kg three times daily or 25-50 mg/kg daily by continuous infusion
Child Dose:
- Oral: 25 mg/kg twice or three times daily
- IV: 10 mg/kg twice or three times daily
Renal impairment: Serum creatinine 120-250 micromol/l: 15 mg/kg twice daily; 250-500: 15 mg/kg once daily; >500: 7.5 mg/kg once daily
Administration
- Take with food
- Swallow whole; do not chew or crush
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your normal schedule; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Tiredness
- Nasal congestion
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Gastric pyrosis
Precautions & warnings
- Does not usually affect ability to drive
- For heavy periods, take on the first day
- Use lowest effective dose for shortest possible time
- Inform doctor if history of kidney or liver disease
- Regular vision monitoring may be needed
Contraindications
- Severe renal failure
- Active intravascular clotting
- Thromboembolic disease
- Colour vision disorders
- Subarachnoid bleeding
Drug interactions
- Estrogens, Factor IX complex concentrates, anti-inhibitor coagulant concentrates: increased risk of thrombus formation (potentially fatal)
- Tretinoin in acute promyelocytic leukaemia: increased risk of fatal thrombotic complications
- Penicillins: incompatible
- Streptokinase, urokinase: antagonise antifibrinolytic action
Food interactions
May cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Generally considered safe; animal studies show low or no adverse effects; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited human data suggests no significant risk; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Pediatric dosage regimen has been established (25 mg/kg twice or three times daily)
Geriatric use
No reduction in dosage necessary unless renal failure
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Dose adjustment based on serum creatinine
Hepatic Impairment: Probably safe; dose adjustment may not be needed
Overdose effects
Symptoms: Headache, nausea, diarrhea, convulsions.
Treatment: Supportive care.
Storage conditions
Store in a dry place at 15-30°C, away from light; keep out of reach of children.