Tranexamic Acid Tablets

There are a variety of illnesses and conditions that can cause excessive bleeding. These include hemophilia, certain surgeries, nosebleeds, and heavy bleeding with your menstrual cycle. Reducing the risk for bleeding is a priority to prevent serious health outcomes.

Tranexamic acid is part of a group of drugs known as antifibrinolytics. It’s available in several different forms: pills, mouthwash, liquids, and injections. It can be taken in advance of an anticipated medical event. Our clinician may prescribe it to you so that you can take it a few days before a surgery or your period.

There are two kinds of fibrinolysis that take place in your body. Primary fibrinolysis is part of normal functioning. However, secondary fibrinolysis is the result of a medical condition or as a side effect of a medication. ^[1] When someone has secondary fibrinolysis, it can cause them to bleed excessively up to the point of a massive hemorrhage.

Antifibrinolytic drugs like tranexamic acid work to prevent blood clots from breaking down in fibrinolysis. ^[2] They do this by inhibiting the enzymes that break down the fibrin that is essential in the formation of blood clots. The result is that the blood clots stay in place to allow wounds to heal.

What doses of Tranexamic acid are there?

Tranexamic acid pills are only available in 500 mg doses. If you’re still bleeding heavily despite being on tranexamic acid, you should get in touch with our clinician. There may be a better treatment to help you control your bleeding.

It’s easy to take tranexamic acid pills. Our clinician will most likely prescribe two or three pills for you to take two or three times each day. Simply swallow your pills whole with a glass of water, and carry on about your day. If our clinician has prescribed it for heavy periods, you will most likely take it for about four days each time you have a period. Should you need it to help with other bleeding from medical surgeries or injuries, you’ll probably take it for seven days.^[1] Sometimes, people with serious medical conditions will need to take it for longer periods of time.

It can take up to 24 hours for tranexamic acid to start working. ^[2] Make sure you take it as directed by your doctor to prevent heavy bleeding.

Taking tranexamic acid as directed by our clinician is very important. If you miss a dose, it’s not a big deal unless you forget frequently. As soon as you remember your missed dose, you can take it. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip your missed dose and take it as normal. If you miss your tranexamic acid doses often, you should consider setting an alarm to help you remember. Should you take more tranexamic acid than you’re supposed to, it probably won’t harm you. There are side effects that you may experience, including diarrhea, dizziness, and feeling sick.