DRUG STUDY

TRANEXAMIC

Brand name: Hemostan, Fibrinon, Cyklokapron, Lysteda, Transamin

Classification: Anti-fibrinolytic, antihemorrhagic
Indications:
Tranexamic acid is used for the prompt and effective control of hemorrhage in
various surgical and clinical areas:

o Treating heavy menstrual bleeding

o Hemorrhage following dental and/or oral surgery in patients with hemophilia

o Management of hemophilic patients (those having Factor VIII or Factor IX

deficiency) who have oral mucosal bleeding, or are undergoing tooth extraction
or other oral surgical procedures.

o Surgical: General surgical cases but most especially operative procedures on

the prostate, uterus, thyroid, lungs, heart, ovaries, adrenals, kidneys, brain,
tonsils, lymph nodes and soft tissues.

o Obstetrical and gynecological: abortion, post-partum hemorrhage and

menometrorrahgia

o Medical: epistaxis, hemoptysis, hematuria, peptic ulcer with hemorrhage and

blood dyscrasias with hemorrhage

o Effective in promoting hemostasis in traumatic injuries.

o Preventing hemorrhage after orthopedic surgeries.

Mechanism of Action
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine. It exerts its
antifibrinolytic effect through the reversible blockade of lysine-binding sites on
plasminogen molecules. Anti-fibrinolytic drug inhibits endometrial
plasminogen activator and thus prevents fibrinolysis and the breakdown of
blood clots. The plasminogen-plasmin enzyme system is known to cause
coagulation defects through lytic activity on fibrinogen, fibrin and other clotting
factors. By inhibiting the action of plasmin (finronolysin) the anti-fibrinolytic
agents reduce excessive breakdown of fibrin and effect physiological
hemostasis.

Contraindications

o Allergic reaction to the drug or hypersensitivity

o Presence of blood clots (eg, in the leg, lung, eye, brain), have a history of
blood clots, or are at risk for blood clots

o Current administration of factor IX complex concentrates or anti-inhibitor

coagulant concentrates
Precautions

o Pregnancy. Tranexamic acid crosses the placenta.

o Lactation. Tranexamic acid is distributed into breast milk; concentrations

reach approximately 1% of the maternal plasma concentration.

o Contraceptives, estrogen-containing, oral or Estrogens. Concurrent use with

tranexamic acid may increase the potential for thrombus formation.

o Renal function impairment (medication may accumulate; dosage

adjustment based on the degree of impairment is recommended)

o Hematuria of upper urinary tract origin (risk of intrarenal obstruction

secondary to clot retention in the renal pelvis and ureters if hematuria is
massive; also, if hematuria is associated with a disease of the renal parenchyma,
intravascular precipitation of fibrin may occur and exacerbate the disease)

Nursing Responsibilities

o Unusual change in bleeding pattern should be immediately reported to the

physician.

o For women who are taking Tranexamic acid to control heavy bleeding, the
medication should only be taken during the menstrual period.
o Tranexamic Acid should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger
than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been
confirmed.

o The medication can be taken with or without meals.

o Swallow Tranexamic Acid whole with plenty of liquids. Do not break, crush,
or chew before swallowing.

o If you miss a dose of Tranexamic Acid, take it when you remember, then take
your next dose at least 6 hours later. Do not take 2 doses at once.

o Inform the client that he/she should inform the physician immediately if the
following severe side effects occur:

o Severe allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, dyspnea, tightness in

the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue

o Calf pain, swelling or tenderness

o Chest pain

o Confusion

o Coughing up blood

o Decreased urination

o Severe or persistent headache

o Severe or persistent body malaise

o Shortness of breath

o Slurred speech

o Slurred speech

o Vision changes