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6-Aminocaproic Acid

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: August 24, 2026

6-Aminocaproic Acid is an antifibrinolytic agent used to control excessive bleeding by preventing the breakdown of blood clots. It is typically prescribed for patients with conditions involving overactive fibrinolytic systems or for managing bleeding during certain medical procedures.

Quick summary

An antifibrinolytic medication that helps prevent excessive bleeding by inhibiting blood clot breakdown.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 24, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
B02AA01
RxNorm
99
Generic
6-Aminocaproic Acid
Class
atc-b02
Brands
Amicar
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
oral
Forms
injection, tablet, solution
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose above 30 grams may cause serious toxicity
Chronic overdose: Prolonged use at high doses may lead to increased risk of thrombosis and coagulopathy
Immediate actions
supportive care, activated charcoal if within 1 hour, monitor coagulation parameters
Antidote
no specific antidote(supportive care is main treatment)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

9 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

pregnancy

second third trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks

Monitor

fetal monitoring, track uterine activity

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

lactation

breastfeeding
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

discontinue breastfeeding or avoid

Key Recommendations

do not breastfeed during treatment; drug passes into breast milk

Monitor

monitor infant for bleeding signs

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

pediatric_age

neonates infants
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose; monitor closely

Key Recommendations

use only for approved indications; safety not established for routine use

Monitor

monitor renal function, bleeding parameters

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pediatric_age

children adolescents
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

weight-based dosing

Key Recommendations

approved for certain conditions; monitor for thromboembolic events

Monitor

regular CBC, coagulation studies

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

geriatric

elderly over 65
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

start with lower dose, adjust based on response

Key Recommendations

use with caution; increased risk of thromboembolic events

Monitor

monitor renal function, cardiac status, signs of thrombosis

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

mild moderate
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose by 25-50%

Key Recommendations

use with caution; drug is renally excreted

Monitor

monitor renal function, serum drug levels if available

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

renal_impairment

severe
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid or use extreme caution with significant dose reduction

Key Recommendations

not recommended due to accumulation risk

Monitor

close monitoring of renal function, bleeding time

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

moderate severe
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

no specific dose adjustment; monitor closely

Key Recommendations

use with caution; liver plays role in metabolism

Monitor

monitor liver function tests, coagulation parameters

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly prescribed since

Value:1960s

General prescribing information for antifibrinolytic therapy

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Antifibrinolytic

Drug class information

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Prevention and treatment of excessive bleeding

Common therapeutic uses

Used to treat or prevent bleeding in conditions with excessive fibrinolysis, such as certain surgeries, trauma, or in patients with hemophilia undergoing dental procedures. Also used for management of menorrhagia and other bleeding disorders.

Acts as an antifibrinolytic by inhibiting plasmin and plasminogen activator substances, thereby preventing the degradation of fibrin clots and helping to maintain clot stability.

Should not be used in patients with active disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or urinary tract bleeding. May increase risk of thrombosis. Use with caution in patients with cardiac or renal impairment. Dosage must be individualized and carefully monitored.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy