Tranexamic acid

Tranexamic Acid

Tranexamic acid (pronounced tran-ex-AM-ic acid), often abbreviated as TXA, is a medication used to treat or prevent excessive blood loss from major trauma, post partum bleeding, surgery, tooth removal, nosebleeds, and heavy menstruation. It is also used for hereditary angioedema.

Etymology

The term "tranexamic acid" is derived from its chemical structure: trans-4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid.

Pharmacology

Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine. It works by inhibiting the activation of plasminogen to plasmin, a molecule responsible for the degradation of fibrin. Fibrin is the basic framework for the formation of a blood clot in hemostasis. Tranexamic acid has roughly 8 times the antifibrinolytic activity of an older analogue, aminocaproic acid.

Uses

Tranexamic acid is frequently used following major trauma. It may also be used for nosebleeds, heavy menstruation, and to prevent post-surgical bleeding in patients with hemophilia or von Willebrand disease.

Side Effects

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle pain. Serious side effects may include blood clots, stroke, and allergic reactions.

Related Terms

• Hemostasis
• Fibrin
• Plasmin
• Lysine
• Aminocaproic acid
• Hemophilia
• Von Willebrand disease

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Tranexamic acid
• Wikipedia's article - Tranexamic acid

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