Tranexamic Acid
Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic medication that works by preventing the breakdown of blood clots. It is commonly used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding and to reduce blood loss during and after surgical procedures.
Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent used to prevent excessive bleeding by stopping the breakdown of blood clots.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B02AA02
- RxNorm
- 10691
- Generic
- Tranexamic Acid
- Class
- atc-b02
- Brands
- Cyklokapron, Lysteda
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical, oral
- Forms
- injection, cream, tablet
- 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
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits clearly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
may be used when benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
considered compatible with breastfeeding
none required
pediatric_age
children under 12reduce dose based on weight
use with caution in children under 2 years; monitor for seizures
closely monitor for adverse effects and seizures
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65consider dose reduction
use with caution due to increased risk of thromboembolic events
monitor renal function and for signs of thrombosis
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 50% or adjust based on creatinine clearance
dose adjustment required based on renal function
monitor serum creatinine and adjust dose accordingly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno significant adjustment needed for mild to moderate
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval for intravenous use
Initial FDA approval for intravenous tranexamic acid administration
Drug class
Antifibrinolytic agent classification
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Common uses
Major therapeutic applications
Tranexamic acid is used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), reduce bleeding during surgical procedures such as dental work in patients with hemophilia, manage trauma-related bleeding, and treat hereditary angioedema. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by a healthcare provider.
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine. It works by binding to plasminogen and blocking the lysine receptor sites on fibrin, preventing plasmin from breaking down fibrin clots and thereby stabilizing existing blood clots.
Tranexamic acid should not be used by patients with active intravascular clotting (thrombosis) or those with a history of blood clots. It is generally well-tolerated but may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. Patients should inform their doctor of any history of kidney disease, seizures, or if they are taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
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.
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 July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy