Tranexamic acid is a drug to stop bleeding in several conditions, such as nosebleeds that don't stop, menorrhagia, injury, tooth extraction procedures, or postoperative bleeding. This drug should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription.
When you are bleeding, your body will try to clot the blood to stop the bleeding. However, in some conditions, the blood clot that has formed is easily destroyed so that bleeding continues to occur.
Tranexamic acid works by inhibiting the breakdown of blood clots that have formed. Thus, the bleeding can stop.
Apart from being used to stop bleeding in the conditions mentioned above, tranexamic acid can also be used in hemophilia or hemophilia hereditary angioedema.
Trademarkasam tranexamate: Tranexamic Acid, Asamnex, Clonex, Ethinex, Haemostop, Intermic, Kalnex, Lexatrans, Plasminex, Pytramic 500, Quanex, Tranec, Tranexamic Acid, Tranexid, Transamin, Tranxa
What is Tranexamic Acid
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antifibrinolytic |
| Used by | Mature |
| Benefit | Reduce or stop bleeding in conditions of menorrhagia, postoperative bleeding, nosebleeds, or injuries, prevent bleeding in hemophiliac patients, and to treat hereditary angioedema |
| Tranexamic acid for pregnant and lactating women | Category B:Studies in animal experiments have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women. Tranexamic acid may be absorbed into breast milk, this drug should not be used during lactation. |
| Medicine Form | Tablets, capsules, injections |
Precautions Before Using Tranexamic Acid
Tranexamic acid should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription. There are several things that must be considered before using this drug, including:
- Do not use tranexamic acid if you are allergic to this drug.
- Do not take tranexamic acid if you are not menstruating, although it can be used to treat heavy bleeding in menorrhagia.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of subarachnoid hemorrhage, seizures, kidney disease, stroke, visual disturbances, pulmonary embolism, or deep vein thrombosis.
- Tell your doctor if you have irregular menstrual cycles or other menstrual disorders.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking tranexamic acid if you plan to have dental work or surgery.
- Tell your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking.
- Tell your doctor if you are using hormonal contraception, such as the birth control pill, birth control injection, implant, or spiral.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking tranexamic acid.
Tranexamic Acid Dosage and Usage
The following is a general dose of tranexamic acid use in adults based on the form of the drug and the condition being treated:
Drug form: tablets and capsules
- Condition: Menorrhagia
1 gram, 3 times a day during menstruation, use should not be more than 5 days. The dose may be increased if heavy bleeding occurs. The maximum dose is 4 grams a day.
- Condition: Hereditary angioedema
1–1.5 grams, 2–3 times a day, depending on the patient's condition.
- Condition: Acute bleeding
1–1.5 grams, 2–3 times a day.
- Condition: Bleeding after tooth extraction in hemophilia patients
1.5 grams, 3 times a day.
Drug form: inject
- Condition: Acute bleeding0.5–1 gram, 2-3 times a day, injection through a vein (intravenous/IV), every 6–8 hours.
How to Use Tranexamic Acid Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the information on the drug package label before using tranexamic acid. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Injectable tranexamic acid is only given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
Tranexamic acid in tablet or capsule form can be taken before or after meals. Swallow this medicine whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the tablet as this may increase the side effects of the drug.
Take tranexamic acid at the same time every day. If you forget to take this medicine, take it immediately if the gap between the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
To treat bleeding during menstruation, tranexamic acid is taken when menstruation begins.
Tranexamic acid is used to reduce blood loss during menstruation, not to stop bleeding. Check with your doctor if the bleeding doesn't improve or gets worse.
Store tranexamic acid at room temperature and in a closed container. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and keep out of reach of children.
Tranexamic Acid Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some interactions that may occur when taking tranexamic acid with other medicines:
- Increased risk of forming blood clots that can block blood vessels, if used with hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, implants, or birth control injections
- Increased risk of blood clot formation in people with leukemia, when used with tretinoin
- Increased effectiveness of prothrombin complex concentrate or factor IX
- Decreased effectiveness of the drug defibrotide
- Decreased drug effect when used with alteplase or streptokinase
Tranexamic Acid Side Effects
A number of side effects that may arise from the use of tranexamic acid tablets or capsules are:
- Headache
- Muscle pain or joint pain
- Nasal congestion
- Stomach pain
- Back pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weak
- Anemia
- Migraine
- Dizzy