Antifibrinolytic Agents for Hemophilia

Examples

Brand Name	Generic Name
Amicar	aminocaproic acid

Brand Name	Generic Name
Cyklokapron	tranexamic acid

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 13, 2009
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.