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Tranexamic Acid

Hemostasis Agent Antifibrinolytic

Brand names:

Cyklokapron®, Lysteda®

Other names:

TXA

Often used for:

Control of bleeding

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What is tranexamic acid?

Tranexamic acid is a medicine that prevents or treats bleeding by helping blood to clot. It is often used to prevent or treat bleeding after dental procedures in patients with hemophilia. It can also be used to help decrease heavy bleeding during monthly (menstrual) periods.

The dosing schedule depends on your child’s specific needs. Follow all instructions given by your care team.

Brain

May be given as a tablet by mouth

 
Brain

May be given into a vein by IV

 
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Possible side effects

Side effects from the tablet:

  • Headache
  • Abdominal (belly) pain
  • Back, muscle, or joint pain
  • Stuffy nose
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tiredness or fatigue

Side effects from the injection:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness

Some side effects can be severe. If your child has any of the following severe side effects, contact your care team immediately.

  • Weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred vision
  • Changes in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation
  • Seizures
  • Signs of a blood clot, which include chest pain or pressure, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, or swelling, warmth, numbness, changes of color or pain in a leg or arm
  • Signs of allergic reaction, which include rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.

Not all patients who take tranexamic acid will experience 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 instructions with your doctor or pharmacist. 

  • Before starting this medicine, let your care team know if your child:
    • Has or has ever had a blood clot
    • Has had bleeding in the brain
    • Has a type of cancer called acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and is being treated with tretinoin
    • Is using a hormone-based birth control
  • Be sure your child has regular eye exams as recommended by your care team.
  • If your child takes this medicine for heavy monthly periods, they should not take it until their period has started and should not take it for more than 5 days in a row.
  • This medicine may make your child dizzy. Do not let your child do anything that could be dangerous until you see how this medicine affects them.
  • It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Tranexamic acid at home:

  • Do not take this medicine for longer than instructed by your doctor or pharmacist
  • Tablets can be taken with or without food. Swallow tablets whole. Do not split, crush, or chew before swallowing.
  • Give a missed dose as soon as possible. Then, give the next dose at least 6 hours later. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.

Learn more about tranexamic 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.