Description

• Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine that exerts its antifibrinolytic effect through the reversible blockade of lysine binding sites on plasminogen molecules. 

• Intravenous administration caused reductions relative to placebo of 29-54% in postoperative blood losses in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

• Statistically significant reductions in postoperative blood losses and transfusion requirements in a number of types of surgery were reported.

• Tranexamic acid was superior to dipyridamole in the reduction of postoperative blood losses.

• Had similar efficacy to aprotinin and potential cost and tolerability advantages over aprotinin.

• Also appears to reduce rates of mortality and urgent surgery in patients with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

• Reduces menstrual blood loss and is a possible alternative to surgery in menorrhagia, and has been used successfully to control bleeding in pregnancy.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: 

• Active thromboembolic disease 
• Severe renal failure
• Hypersensitivity