aminocaproic acid

n

trade name: Amicar; drug class: hemostatic; action: inhibits fibrinolysis by inhibiting plasminogen activator substances; uses: hemorrhage from hyperfibrinolysis; adjunctive therapy in hemophilia; unapproved, hemorrhage following dental surgery in hemophilia.

Brand names: Amicar®

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Aminocaproic Acid tablets (below)
• Aminocaproic Acid Oral solution
• Aminocaproic Acid Oral tablet
• Aminocaproic Acid Solution for injection

Español:
• Tabletas de ácido aminocaproico
• Ácido Aminocaproico, Solución oral
• Ácido Aminocaproico, Tableta oral
• Ácido Aminocaproico, Solución para inyección

Aminocaproic Acid tablets

What are aminocaproic acid tablets?

AMINOCAPROIC ACID (Amicar®) slows down or stops the process by which blood clots are broken down. Aminocaproic acid helps to prevent or treat excessive bleeding (hemorrhage) in certain bleeding disorders, ruptured placenta, cirrhosis, cancer, or surgery (especially heart surgery). Generic aminocaproic acid tablets are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• heart disease
• blood in urine
• kidney disease
• blood clotting problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to aminocaproic acid, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take aminocaproic acid tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with aminocaproic acid?

• agents that dissolve blood clots
• factor IX
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking aminocaproic acid?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you take aminocaproic acid for a long time your prescriber or health care professional will schedule tests to make sure the medicine is working properly.

If you have any eye problems while taking aminocaproic acid, visit your ophthalmologist for an eye exam.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how aminocaproic acid affects you.

What side effects might I notice from taking aminocaproic acid?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• difficulty passing urine, or reduction in the amount of urine
• loss of coordination
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs
• muscle aches or pains
• red or bloodshot eyes
• ringing in the ears
• seizures (convulsions)
• slurred speech
• sudden or severe pain in the chest, legs, head, or groin
• sudden weight gain or swelling

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dry ejaculation (lack of semen)
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• unusual menstrual discomfort
• unusual tiredness

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.