Tranexamic acid is a synthetic antifibrinolytic medication that inhibits the breakdown of blood clots, effectively reducing or preventing excessive bleeding. It is widely used to treat heavy menstrual...
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic antifibrinolytic medication that inhibits the breakdown of blood clots, effectively reducing or preventing excessive bleeding. It is widely used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, prevent postpartum hemorrhage, reduce bleeding in trauma and surgical settings, and manage melasma. Common side effects are generally mild, such as gastrointestinal issues and headaches. However, rare but serious thromboembolic events are a potential risk, particularly in individuals with pre-existing risk factors. Dosage varies depending on the condition being treated, typically ranging from 1 to 1.5 grams daily, divided into multiple doses.
Key Information
Outside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
1-1.5g daily, divided into 2-3 doses, depending on the condition being treated. For menorrhagia, typically 1-1.5g 3-4 times daily for 3-4 days.
Source Type
synthetic
Production Process
Tranexamic acid is synthesized through a multi-step chemical process involving the modification of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid.
Use Type
Outside BodyPotential Benefits
Alpha arbutin reduces melanin production, fading existing dark patches and preventing new ones from forming, thus treating melasma. It evens skin tone by inhibiting tyrosinase.
Tranexamic acid reduces heavy menstrual bleeding by preventing the breakdown of blood clots. This stabilization decreases overall blood loss during menstruation.
Reduces postpartum hemorrhage by stabilizing blood clots at the placental site. This action prevents the breakdown of clots and controls excessive bleeding after childbirth.
Tranexamic acid reduces mortality in trauma patients by inhibiting hyperfibrinolysis. It stabilizes blood clots, preventing their breakdown and aiding in the body's healing process.
Tranexamic acid minimizes blood loss during surgery by preventing the breakdown of blood clots, thus reducing the need for blood transfusions. It stabilizes fibrin, a protein vital for clot formation.
Tranexamic acid, administered orally or topically, reduces hyperpigmentation in melasma by inhibiting melanogenesis and blocking keratinocyte-melanocyte interaction. This leads to a visible reduction in melasma.
Possible Side Effects
Dizziness is a sensation of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or vertigo that can arise from multiple causes. It can lead to falls or loss of consciousness in some cases.
Headache is pain in the head ranging from mild to severe, potentially with nausea, light/sound sensitivity, or dizziness. It can be caused by tension, dehydration, stress, or medication side effects, and persistent headaches require medical evaluation.
Gastrointestinal issues include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and vomiting, potentially stemming from altered gut motility, microbiota changes, or irritation. While often mild, persistent symptoms necessitate evaluation, and contributing factors like pre-existing conditions should be considered.
Thromboembolic events, such as DVT and PE, are rare but serious blood clot-related complications. They are more likely to occur in individuals with pre-existing risk factors or those taking high doses.
Visual disturbances include changes in color vision, blurred vision, or other temporary visual anomalies. These effects are generally rare and transient but may impact daily activities.
Scientific Evidence
CRASH-2 trial (Lancet 2010;376:23-32), WOMAN trial (Lancet 2017;389:2105-2116), numerous clinical trials on menorrhagia published in journals like BJOG and Obstetrics & Gynecology, systematic reviews and meta-analyses on tranexamic acid for melasma in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and International Journal of Dermatology.
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