Antifibrinolytic agents for hemophilia

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
epsilon-aminocaproic acid	Amicar
tranexamic acid	Cyklokapron

How It Works

Antifibrinolytic agents may be used in specific situations or in combination with clotting factor replacement to treat hemophilia. Antifibrinolytic agents prevent the breakdown of blood clots by neutralizing chemicals in the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and urinary tract that break down clots.

Why It Is Used

Antifibrinolytic agents are used to treat nosebleeds (epistaxis) and to help prevent bleeding in the mouth before dental surgery.

How Well It Works

Antifibrinolytic agents effectively prevent bleeding of the mouth when they are combined with a preventive dose of clotting factor.

Side Effects

Possible side effects of antifibrinolytic agents include:

• Upset stomach.
• Headache.
• Flushing.
• Abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension).

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Clotting factors are more effective than antifibrinolytic agents. However, antifibrinolytic medicines may be given instead of or along with clotting factors in certain situations. For example, antifibrinolytic agents may be used to:

• Help prevent bleeding in the mouth, nose, or urinary tract only.
• Help prevent bleeding after dental surgery instead of clotting factor replacement.

Also, unlike clotting factors, antifibrinolytic medication can be taken in pill or liquid form and do not have to be injected.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: August 20, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
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