Tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron)

Mechanism of action

Tranexamic acid is a competitive inhibitor of plasminogen activation, and at much higher concentrations, a noncompetitive inhibitor of plasmin, i.e., actions similar to aminocaproic acid. Tranexamic acid is about 10 times more potent in vitro than aminocaproic acid.

Diseases for which it is used

• Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

History of changes in FDA indication

• 1986-12-30: Initial FDA approval
• 2008-12-22 (oldest label available at Drugs @ FDA): Indicated in patients with hemophilia for short-term use (two to eight days) to reduce or prevent hemorrhage and reduce the need for replacement therapy during and following tooth extraction.

Also known as

• Brand names: Amixam, Cyklokapron, Hemostan, Prexam, Temsy, Tranofast