Home Drug Guide Tranexamic Acid

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Tranexamic Acid

Brand Names Cyklokapron, Lysteda

Classification

Therapeutic: Hemostatic agent

Pharmacological: Antifibrinolytic

FDA Approved Indications

Prevention and treatment of excessive bleeding from trauma, surgery, or bleeding disorders
Menorrhagia (Lysteda)

Mechanism of Action

Tranexamic acid inhibits plasminogen activation, reducing fibrinolysis and stabilizing blood clots.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: For oral: Lysteda typically 1 g three times daily during menstruation; for IV: dosage varies based on indication, usually 10-25 mg/kg every 8 hours.

Pediatric: Dosing based on weight and clinical judgement, usually under specialist supervision.

Geriatric: Adjust dose based on renal function, monitor for increased risk of thrombosis.

Renal Impairment: Reduce dose or avoid in severe impairment; clearance is reduced in renal dysfunction.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific adjustments established.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed orally.

Distribution: Widely distributed, crosses the placenta.

Metabolism: Minimal hepatic metabolism.

Excretion: Primarily renal; unchanged in urine.

Half Life: Approximately 2 hours in healthy adults.

Contraindications

History of hypersensitivity to tranexamic acid or other constituents.
History of thrombosis or current thromboembolic disease.

Precautions

Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, disseminated intravascular coagulation, or active intravascular clotting.

Adverse Reactions - Common

Nausea (Common)
Vomiting (Common)
Diarrhea (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

Thromboembolic events (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) (Rare)
Visual disturbances (e.g., blurred vision, visual impairment) (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

Other antifibrinolytics, oral contraceptives, hormonal therapies increasing clotting risk

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for signs of bleeding and thrombosis, renal function, and visual disturbances.

Diagnoses:

Risk for bleeding
Risk for thrombosis

Implementation: Administer as prescribed, monitor labs and patient response, counsel on thrombosis signs.

Evaluation: Assess reduction in bleeding and monitor for adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

Take medication as directed, do not exceed recommended dose.
Report any signs of blood clots, visual changes, or adverse effects immediately.
Inform healthcare provider about all medications being taken.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

Potential for thromboembolic events.
Use with caution in patients with a history of clotting disorders.

Genetic Factors: No specific genetic factors identified.

Lab Test Interference: May interfere with urine test results for blood or other substances.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Thrombosis, seizures, visual disturbances.

Treatment: Supportive care, monitor vital signs, renal function, consider dialysis in severe cases.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and light.

Stability: Stable for 24 months under recommended conditions.