Tranexamic

Indications

Tranexamic Acid is used to reduce or prevent bleeding. Common uses include heavy menstrual periods, nosebleeds, bleeding after tooth extraction or surgery, and bleeding in people with certain clotting disorders. It is also used for hereditary angioedema (repeated episodes of swelling). The injection is used in hospitals for bleeding after injury, surgery or childbirth.

How It Works

It is an antifibrinolytic. It blocks the natural process that breaks down blood clots, so clots that form at a bleeding point stay in place for longer and bleeding stops sooner.

Dosage and Administration

• Heavy periods, adults: usually 1 g (two 500 mg tablets) three times a day for up to 4 days, starting when bleeding begins. Do not take more than 4 g a day unless the doctor advises.
• Other bleeding (such as nosebleeds or after dental work): usually 1 to 1.5 g two or three times a day, for as long as the doctor advises.
• Children and people with kidney problems: as prescribed; the dose may need to be lower.
• Injection: given into a vein slowly by a doctor or nurse in hospital.

Tablets can be taken with or without food.

Interactions

Hormonal contraceptives and other oestrogen medicines may increase the risk of blood clots when taken together. Avoid combining with other clotting medicines such as factor IX complex or anti-inhibitor coagulant complexes unless a specialist advises. Tell your doctor if you take Tretinoin by mouth for leukaemia.

Contraindications

• A current blood clot (such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or stroke) or a history of clots without medical review.
• Severe kidney disease.
• Bleeding in the space around the brain (subarachnoid haemorrhage).
• A history of fits (for the injection).
• Allergy to Tranexamic Acid.

Side Effects

Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache and, with periods, back or stomach pain. Rare: dizziness, allergic skin reactions, and changes in colour vision.

Get urgent medical help if you have pain or swelling in one leg, chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, coughing blood, sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, trouble speaking, sudden changes in vision, a fit, or swelling of the face, lips or throat.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnancy only if a doctor advises; it is used in hospitals to treat heavy bleeding around childbirth. Small amounts pass into breast milk and it is generally considered acceptable while breastfeeding, but ask your doctor first.

Precautions and Warnings

Tell your doctor if you have had a blood clot, have kidney problems, irregular periods, blood in the urine, or epilepsy. Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding should be checked by a doctor to find the cause. If periods are not lighter after three cycles, see your doctor. People on long-term treatment may need regular eye checks.

Overdose

Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, low blood pressure when standing, and fits; there is a risk of blood clots. Seek medical help promptly.

Therapeutic Class

Antifibrinolytic (haemostatic) agent.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.