Side effects of Tranexamic acid

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a medication used to treat or prevent excessive blood loss from major trauma, postpartum bleeding, surgery, tooth removal, nosebleeds, and heavy menstruation.It is also used for hereditary angioedema.It is taken either orally or by injection into a vein.

Uses

Tranexamic acid is used to treat heavy bleeding during your menstrual period. Tranexamic acid works by slowing the breakdown of blood clots, which helps to prevent prolonged bleeding. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antifibrinolytics.Tranexamic acid is not a hormone. It does not treat other menstrual or pre-menstrual symptoms. It does not stop your period. It is not a form of birth control and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Mechanism of action

Tranexamic acid competitively and reversibly inhibits the activation of plasminogen via binding at several distinct sites, including four or five low-affinity sites and one high-affinity site, the latter of which is involved in its binding to fibrin. The binding of plasminogen to fibrin induces fibrinolysis - by occupying the necessary binding sites tranexamic acid prevents this dissolution of fibrin, thereby stabilizing the clot and preventing hemorrhage.

Side effects

Side effects are rare.Some include changes in color vision, blood clots, and allergic reactions.Greater caution is recommended in people with kidney disease.Tranexamic acid appears to be safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic medication.