Tablets, syrup, injection
To treat serious bleeding that occurs after surgery or dental work or to prevent potentially life-threatening bleeding during surgery in patients with hemophilia, low blood platelet counts, or other medical problems.
Aminocaproic acid inhibits certain biochemical reactions that involve enzymes, including the activation of plasminogen, a natural enzyme that dissolves blood clots. As a result, blood becomes more prone to clotting, which helps to stanch episodes of uncontrolled bleeding.
Adults: Initial dose is 5 g, then 1 or 1.25 g per hour, three or four times a day after the initial dose. The maximum daily dose is 30 g per day. It may be taken by mouth or intravenously. Children: Initial dose is 45.5 mg per lb of body weight, followed by 15.1 mg per lb, three or four times a day, for two to eight days.
Within one hour.
Three to four hours.
Tablet or syrup forms may be taken with food to prevent stomach irritation.
Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat and direct light.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, double the next dose. Then resume your regular dosage schedule.
Do not stop taking aminocaproic acid without your doctor's consent, unless a serious problem occurs, at which time discontinue the drug immediately. Gradual reduction of the dosage may be necessary if you have taken the drug for a long time. Consult your doctor for specific guidelines. Never take more than 30 g per day.
Ask your doctor about the need for medical examinations or laboratory studies with prolonged use.
No special problems are expected.
Do not drive or engage in hazardous work until you determine how the drug affects you.
Alcohol should be avoided because it decreases the therapeutic effect of aminocaproic acid.
It is not known whether aminocaproic acid can cause fetal harm. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly necessary, after a detailed discussion with your doctor.
Aminocaproic acid passes into breast milk, although it has not been reported to cause health problems in nursing infants. Consult your doctor or pediatrician for specific advice.
Safety and effectiveness in young patients have not been established; this drug should be used in children only under a doctor's careful supervision.
Few cases of overdose have been reported. However, symptoms following high doses of injectable aminocaproic acid may include dizziness, confusion, slow heartbeat, fainting, sluggishness, fatigue, confusion, seizures, increased urination, gastrointestinal bleeding.
Discontinue the medication and call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or local hospital immediately.
Oral contraceptives and estrogens boost the clot-promoting effect of aminocaproic acid, which may therefore increase the risk of potentially dangerous blood clot formation. Thrombolytic (blood clot-dissolving) agents such as streptokinase decrease the effect of aminocaproic acid.
No significant food interactions have been reported.
Patients with a history of disseminated intravascular coagulation (also known as DIC, a rare disorder marked by excessive and hazardous blood coagulation) should not take aminocaproic acid. If you are pregnant or have heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease, you may be at increased risk for side effects.
