What it does
Tranexamic acid is a medicine that helps reduce excessive bleeding.
Commonly used for: heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), bleeding after surgery, bleeding disorders
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 20:47:45 · updated 2026-07-26 11:38:13
About this medicine
Tranexamic acid is a medicine that helps reduce excessive bleeding.
What it treats
- heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- bleeding after surgery
- bleeding disorders
How it works
It helps the blood to clot more effectively, which reduces bleeding.
Who it's for
This medicine is for people who experience heavy bleeding due to various medical conditions.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: tranexamic
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine, primarily used as an antifibrinolytic agent. It works by inhibiting the activation of plasminogen to plasmin, which reduces the breakdown of fibrin and stabilizes blood clots, making it effective in conditions where bleeding is a concern. It is commonly used in surgeries, trauma, and certain bleeding disorders.
Indications
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Surgical procedures to reduce blood loss
- Trauma-related bleeding
- Hereditary angioedema
- Dental procedures in patients with bleeding disorders
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing guidelines based on age, weight, and indication.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidelines based on indication and patient condition.
Mechanism of action
Tranexamic acid competitively inhibits the lysine binding sites on plasminogen, preventing its conversion to plasmin. This inhibition decreases fibrinolysis, leading to increased clot stability and reduced bleeding.
Pharmacodynamics
The primary pharmacodynamic effect of tranexamic acid is its ability to reduce bleeding by stabilizing fibrin clots. The drug exhibits a dose-dependent effect on clotting, with higher doses leading to a more pronounced antifibrinolytic effect. Tranexamic acid does not significantly affect platelet function or coagulation factors.
Pharmacokinetics
Tranexamic acid is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1 to 3 hours. It has a bioavailability of approximately 30% to 50%. The drug is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, with a half-life of approximately 2 hours. It does not undergo significant metabolism in the liver, which is beneficial in patients with hepatic impairment.
Contra-indications
- Active venous thromboembolism
- History of thromboembolic disorders
- Severe renal impairment
- Hypersensitivity to tranexamic acid or any excipients
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Visual disturbances
- Thrombosis
- Hypotension
- Allergic reactions
Interactions
- Anticoagulants (increased risk of thrombosis)
- Hormonal contraceptives (increased risk of thrombosis)
- Fibrinolytics (increased risk of bleeding)
Precautions
- Monitor for signs of thrombosis during treatment
- Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures
- Caution in patients with renal impairment
- Assess the risk of bleeding before use
Pregnancy
Tranexamic acid should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Tranexamic acid is excreted in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Tablets
- Injection solution
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.
- AGINEXA INJECTION (Each ml contains Tranexamic Acid 100mg) · Agio Pharmaceuticals
- ANEX INJECTION Each 5ml contains Tranexamic acid USP 500mg · Smayan Healthcare
- EMGITRAN INJECTION ( Tranexamic Acid 100mg) · Akum Drugs & Pharmaceuticals
- INJECTION ( Tranexamic Acid 100mg/ml) · Sg Pharma
- SANOTRAN INJECTION (Each 5ml contains Tranexamic acid BP 500mg) · Laborate Pharmaceuticals India
- TRANAID INJECTION · Pharmax India
- FIBRONEX 500
- Fibronex 500 · Acme Formulation
- HAEMOSTOP
- INDTREX-500 · Indasi Lifescience
- KAMSTOP 100 · Kamla Lifesciences Limited
- KAPRON
- BIOTRANEX · Samrudh Pharmaceuticals
- CYCLOKAPRON · Pharmacia & Upjohn
- CYCLOKAPRON · Pharmacia
- NEOTRANEX · Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- PAUSE · Emcure Pharmaceuticals
- PAUSE 500 · Emcure Pharmaceuticals
- PAUSE 500MG/5ML INJECTION
- PAUSE_MF 500/250MG TABLET
- TRENAXA_500 500MG IMMEDIATE RELEASE TABLET
- TX-MF 500/250MG TABLET
- UNOTATION 100MG/ML INJECTION
- UNOTATION 500MG TABLET