What is Tranexamic acid used for?
Tranexamic acid 500 mg film-coated tablets are used to prevent or reduce bleeding over a short period of time in various conditions. Your prescription may be for one of the following reasons:
- After prostate surgery (post-prostatectomy)
- After bladder surgery
- Heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia)
- Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
- Following cervical surgery (conisation of the cervix)
- Bleeding within the eye (to prevent recurrent hemorrhage in cases of traumatic hyphaema)
- Tooth removal (dental extraction) in individuals with haemophilia (a condition where bleeding occurs more easily than normal)
- A hereditary condition known as angioneurotic oedema (HANO), which your doctor would have diagnosed.
How do you use Tranexamic acid?
Always take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. If you are unsure about anything, consult with your healthcare provider for clarification.
Important Information: Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dose for your condition, which will be clearly indicated on the label provided by your pharmacist. If it’s not, or if you’re uncertain, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Key Reminders:
- Always take your medication with a full glass of water.
- Swallow the tablets whole; do not crush or chew them.
For Adults and the Elderly:
- The usual dose is 2 to 3 tablets, taken two to three times daily.
- The specific dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the condition being treated.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding how many tablets to take, when to take them, and for how long.
For Children and Adolescents:
- Your doctor will determine the exact dosage based on your child’s weight and will provide instructions accordingly.
For Patients with Kidney Problems:
- Your doctor will advise you on the appropriate dosage, which may be lower than the standard adult dose.
Who should not take Tranexamic acid?
Do not take Tranexamic Acid 500 mg film-coated tablets if:
- You are allergic to tranexamic acid or any of the other ingredients listed in this medication.
- You have severe kidney problems (kidney failure).
- You have a history of blood clots in your blood vessels (known as thrombosis).
- You have a history of seizures or convulsions.
- You are at risk of excessive bleeding due to a condition called consumption coagulopathy.
If any of these conditions apply to you, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication.
Warnings and Precautions: Before taking Tranexamic Acid 500 mg film-coated tablets, inform your doctor or pharmacist if:
- You have blood in your urine.
- You have ever experienced uncontrollable bleeding.
- You are taking oral contraceptives, as they may increase the risk of blood clots.
- You have disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a condition where blood clots form throughout the body.
- You have been using medication for a hereditary condition called angioneurotic oedema (HANO) daily for an extended period, as you may need regular eye and liver function tests.
- You are a woman with irregular menstrual cycles.
- You or your family members have a history of blood clots in blood vessels (thrombosis).
- You have kidney disease.
Pregnancy, Breast-feeding, and Fertility: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Important Information about Ingredients:
- Tranexamic Acid 500 mg film-coated tablets contain castor oil, which may cause stomach upset and diarrhea.
- This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, meaning it is essentially "sodium-free."
- This medicine contains 5.50% w/w propylene glycol, an ingredient necessary for the medicine to function properly.
Tranexamic acid FAQs
What is Tranexamic Acid?
Tranexamic Acid is a medication classified as an antifibrinolytic agent. It works by inhibiting the breakdown of blood clots, thereby preventing excessive bleeding. This medication is most commonly used to manage heavy menstrual bleeding in women.
What is Tranexamic Acid used for?
Tranexamic Acid is effective in treating various conditions associated with excessive bleeding. While it is primarily used to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, it can also be prescribed for:
- After prostate or bladder surgery
- Following cervical surgery
- Bleeding inside the eye (traumatic hyphema)
- Nosebleeds
- Tooth removal in haemophiliacs (individuals who bleed more easily)
At MedicalMojo.co.uk, Tranexamic Acid 500mg Tablets are available specifically for managing heavy periods.
How does Tranexamic Acid work?
Tranexamic Acid prevents your body from producing an enzyme that dissolves blood clots. By promoting clot formation, it effectively reduces excessive bleeding caused by heavy periods, nosebleeds, surgeries, or conditions like hereditary angioedema.
Will Tranexamic Acid stop my period?
Tranexamic Acid does not stop your period but can reduce menstrual blood loss by up to 58%. It is not a hormonal medication, so it won’t prevent your period from occurring but will make it lighter.
Who can take Tranexamic Acid?
Tranexamic Acid can be prescribed for both adults and children, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Inform your doctor if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to Tranexamic Acid before
- Have a history of blood clots (thrombosis)
- Have kidney issues
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Are taking oral contraceptives
- Have irregular periods
How to take Tranexamic Tablets
Take the tablets as directed by your doctor, usually 2-3 tablets, three times daily. It’s important to space the doses evenly and take the medication with or without food. For children, the dosage will be based on their weight.
What if I forget to take a dose?
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double up on doses. If you frequently forget, consider setting an alarm to remind you.
What if I take too much by accident?
Taking an extra dose is unlikely to harm you, but if you take too much, you may experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. If this occurs, contact your doctor immediately.
Tranexamic Acid side effects
Although most people do not experience side effects, you should stop taking Tranexamic Acid and seek medical help if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or unusual swelling. For a complete list of potential side effects, consult the Patient Information Leaflet.
Tranexamic Acid and pregnancy
Tranexamic Acid is not recommended during pregnancy unless deemed necessary by your doctor. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Tranexamic Acid and breastfeeding
Tranexamic Acid may pass into breast milk in small amounts but is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Can I take Tranexamic Acid with other medicine?
Tranexamic Acid is generally safe to take with most other medications, but always consult your doctor or pharmacist before combining it with other treatments, especially if you are on the combined contraceptive pill.
Tranexamic Acid 500mg Tablets ingredients
The active ingredient in each tablet is tranexamic acid. Other ingredients include cellulose microcrystalline, povidone, croscarmellose sodium, silica colloidal anhydrous, talc, magnesium stearate, and others.
Tranexamic acid warnings
Do not take Tranexamic Acid if you:
- Are allergic to any of its ingredients
- Have serious kidney problems
- Have or have had a blood clot (thrombosis)
- Have a history of fits
Consult your doctor before use if you have any of the conditions listed above or if you are on oral contraceptives, have kidney disease, or a history of blood clots.
