Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic drug that prevents the breakdown of fibrin clots in the blood. This helps slow down bleeding to prevent excess blood loss.
Know the basics
What is tranexamic acid used for?
- Hemophilia and other blood clotting disorders
- Reducing bleeding after surgery
- Managing nosebleeds
- Heavy menstruation (menorrhagia)
- Fading dark spots on the skin
How should I take tranexamic acid?
Read the directions on the packaging for complete information. Check the label and expiration date.
For oral dosage forms, swallow it whole without chewing, crushing, or dissolving it in liquid.
How do I store tranexamic acid?
Store this product at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer.
There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. So, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Know the precautions & warnings
What should I know before using tranexamic acid?
Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are/have:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Taking any other medicines. This includes any prescription, OTC, and herbal remedies.
- An allergy to any of the ingredients of this product.
- Any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough information about the safety of using this drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking any medication.
This medication is pregnancy risk category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:
- A= No risk
- B= No risk in some studies
- C= There may be some risk
- D= Positive evidence of risk
- X= Contraindicated
- N= Unknown
Know the side effects
What are the side effects of tranexamic acid?
Like all drugs, this product may have side effects. If they occur, side effects are generally mild and resolve once treatment is finished or the dose is lowered. Some reported side effects include:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Pain
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Hemoptysis
- Fainting
- Edema
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Vision changes
However, not everyone experiences these side effects. In addition, some people may experience other side effects. So, if you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Know the interactions
What drugs may interact with tranexamic acid?
This medication may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects.
To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Drugs with known interactions:
- Blood thinners or anticoagulants
- Drugs that prevent bleeding
- Estrogen-containing drugs
If you experience an adverse drug interaction, inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Approaches include dose adjustment, drug substitution, or ending therapy.
Does food or alcohol interact with tranexamic acid?
This drug may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.
What health conditions may interact with tranexamic acid?
This drug may interact with underlying conditions. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. Therefore, it is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have, especially:
- Blood clots
- Bleeding in the brain
- Color vision impairment
Understand the dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
What is the dose for an adult?
Cyclic heavy menstrual bleeding
1,300 mg (two 650 mg tablets) orally three times a day (3,900 mg/day) for a maximum of 5 days during monthly menstruation.
Hemophilia
For short-term use (two to eight days) to reduce or prevent hemorrhage and reduce the need for replacement therapy during and following tooth extraction:
Immediately before dental extraction in patients with hemophilia, administer 10 mg per kg body weight intravenously. Following surgery, a dose of 10 mg per kg body weight intravenously three to four times daily, may be used for 2 to 8 days.
What is the dose for a child?
There is no established pediatric dose. It may be unsafe for your child. It is always important to fully understand the safety of the drug before using. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How is tranexamic acid available?
Tranexamic acid is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
- Solution for injection: 1000 mg/10 mL
- Oral tablet: 500 mg, 650 mg
- Oral capsule: 250 mg
- Mouthwash
What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
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