Consumer Drug Information

tranexamic acid

Generic Name: tranexamic acid (tran ex AM ik AS id)
Brand Names: Cyklokapron

What is tranexamic acid?

Tranexamic acid is a man-made form of an amino acid (protein) called lysine. Tranexamic acid prevents enzymes in the body from breaking down blood clots.

Tranexamic acid is used to prevent bleeding in people with hemophilia who need to have a tooth pulled. This medication is usually given just before the dental procedure, and daily for up to 8 days afterward.

Tranexamic acid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about tranexamic acid?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to tranexamic acid, if you are color blind, if you have a history of bleeding in your brain, or if you have recently had a blood clot.

Before using tranexamic acid, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease or blood in your urine.

Tranexamic acid can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The first dose of tranexamic acid is sometimes given as an injection (IV) just before a dental procedure.

Tranexamic acid tablets are usually taken 3 to 4 times daily for 2 to 8 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your vision may need to be checked while you are using tranexamic acid. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking tranexamic acid?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to tranexamic acid, or if you are:

color blind;
if you have a history of bleeding in your brain; or
if you have recently had a blood clot.

Before taking tranexamic acid, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

kidney disease; or
blood in your urine.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive tranexamic acid, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Tranexamic acid can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take tranexamic acid?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

The first dose of tranexamic acid is sometimes given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection just before your dental procedure. Then you will take tranexamic acid tablets by mouth (orally) for up to 8 days after the tooth extraction.

If you take only the oral tablets and do not receive the injection, you may need to start taking the medication one day before your tooth extraction, and then for up to 8 days afterward.

Tranexamic acid is usually taken 3 to 4 times daily for 2 to 8 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your vision may need to be checked while you are using tranexamic acid. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or feeling like you might pass out.

What should I avoid while taking tranexamic acid?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are taking this medication.

Tranexamic acid side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

problems with your vision (including color vision);
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
sudden chest pain or trouble breathing;
pain or swelling in one or both legs; or
urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
feeling unusually happy; or
feeling like you might pass out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect tranexamic acid?

Before receiving tranexamic acid, tell your doctor if you have recently used any type of clotting medication to treat a bleeding episode.

There may be other drugs that can interact with tranexamic acid. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about tranexamic acid.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.