Aminocaproic Acid injection
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What is aminocaproic acid injection?
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 injections are 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 use this medicine?
Aminocaproic acid is for slow infusion into a vein until bleeding is controlled. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.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?
This does not apply.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?
Your condition will be closely monitored while you receive aminocaproic acid by injection.You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how aminocaproic acid affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older person.
What side effects might I notice from receiving 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
• lightheadedness, or fainting spells
• 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)
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• 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); do not freeze. Do not use if the solution is discolored or if particulate matter is present. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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.
