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Aminocaproic Acid

Hemostasis Agent

Brand names:

Amicar®

Often used for:

Preventing or controlling bleeding

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What is aminocaproic acid?

Aminocaproic acid is a medicine to help control bleeding. It helps slow the breakdown of blood clots. 

This medicine may be given in the clinic, hospital, or at home. 

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May be given into a vein by IV

 
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May be given as a tablet by mouth

 
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May be given as a liquid by mouth

 
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Possible side effects

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle aches or weakness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Feeling weak or tired
  • Stuffy nose 

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, hives, itching, runny nose, fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, dizziness, low blood pressure, pain in the chest, side, or back, swelling of the face or neck. 

Not all patients who receive aminocaproic acid will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report any symptoms or side effects to your doctor or pharmacist. Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and medicine instructions with your care provider or pharmacist.

  • Your child may have nausea or vomiting while taking aminocaproic acid. To help reduce nausea, try providing smaller meals more often.  
  • It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding. 
  • Do not use this medicine if there is blood in the urine.

Aminocaproic acid at home

  • This medicine can be taken with or without food. Taking the medicine with meals may lessen stomach problems.
  • Give this medicine to your child for at least 24 hours even if the bleeding stops after your child receives only one dose.
  • Do not give this medicine for longer than instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. 
  • Give a missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time. 
  • Tablets: If your child cannot swallow the tablets, a liquid form of the medicine is available.
  • Liquid: The liquid dose must be measured very carefully. Use oral syringes provided by the pharmacy to measure the dose.
  • The liquid can be used for those who have feeding tubes. Flush the feeding tube before and after the medicine is given.
  • Store both tablets and liquid forms at room temperature. 

Learn more about aminocaproic acid

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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Reviewed: February 2024