Aminocaproic acid (Amicar)

How does this medicine work?

Aminocaproic acid (ah-mee-no-ka-prow-ik acid), or Amicar, helps prevent the breakdown of blood clots. It is used to maintain clots at the site of bleeding to allow healing. It is most helpful in preventing the breakdown of clots in mucous membranes (nose, mouth, and gastrointestinal tract) in children with bleeding disorders.

How should I give it?

Aminocaproic acid (Amicar) is given by mouth as a pill or liquid. It can also be given into a vein (IV) in the hospital or clinic. It is important to give this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. The amount needed will change as your child's weight changes.

Give it at regular times to keep a steady level in the bloodstream:

___ If using the liquid form, draw up the correct amount in the medicine dropper or oral syringe. Give a small squirt of the medicine inside the cheek. To avoid choking, let your child swallow each squirt before giving more.

___ For babies, you may want to mix the medicine with a small amount of formula, milk, or juice and give it with a bottle nipple before a feeding. Do not add medicine to a whole bottle because if your baby does not finish it, you will not know how much of the medicine was taken.

___ If the prescription is a pill and your child cannot swallow it, crush the pill between 2 spoons or inside a plastic bag or folded paper. Mix it with a small amount of soft food such as applesauce, yogurt, ice cream, jelly, or chocolate syrup.

Are there any precautions about food or other medicines?

This medicine may be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may prevent stomach upset.

Do not use this medicine if your child is receiving activated prothrombin complex concentrates (Bebulin, Profiline, or FEIBA). Aminocaproic acid (Amicar) can be used if your child is on factor VII (NovoSeven) or with other factor concentrates.

Talk to your doctor before using any other medicines. Your child should not take any aspirin or aspirin-containing products.

What should I do if a dose is missed?

If one dose is missed, give it as soon as you remember. Give the rest of that day's doses at regularly-spaced times. If you have any questions about how to make up a missed dose, call the pharmacist or hematology clinic. Never give a double dose.

If your child vomits within 30 minutes after receiving a dose, give it again. If your child vomits after 30 minutes, do not repeat the dose. Call the clinic if more than one dose is missed or vomited.

What are the side effects?

Common

• mild stomach upset 
• diarrhea, vomiting 
• headache 

Occasional

• dizziness 
• muscle aches or weakness 
• skin rash 
• ringing or buzzing in ears 
• stuffy nose

Rare 

• chest pain 
• slurred speech 
• blurred vision 
• decreased amount of urine 
• swelling or pain in face, arms, feet, or lower legs

Very rare

• blood clots in undesired areas 
• heart attack 
• stroke 
• deep vein thrombosis

When should I call the doctor?

• continued vomiting
• slurred speech 
• blurred vision 
• decrease in urine 
• swelling of face, feet, or lower legs 
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• chest pain
• signs of allergic reaction:
  
  • sudden rash or hives
  • itching
  • wheezing
  • trouble breathing – call 911

What else do I need to know?

Do not take this medicine during pregnancy. Do not use this medicine for kidney or bladder bleeding unless directed by your doctor. Aminocaproic acid (Amicar) should be used with caution in patients with heart, kidney, or liver disease.

You and your child should know the names of all the medicines he or she is taking. Share this information with anyone involved in your child's care.

Always make sure you have enough medicine on hand. Each time you refill your prescription, check to see how many refills are left. If no refills are left the pharmacy will need 2 or 3 days to contact the clinic to renew the prescription.

Check the label and expiration date before giving each dose. Ask your pharmacist what to do with outdated or unused medicines. If there is no "take-back" program empty them into the trash.

Store all medicines in their original container and away from direct sunlight or heat. Do not store in humid places such as the bathroom. Keep them out of children's reach, locked up if possible.

If too much or the wrong kind of medicine is taken, please call the hematology / oncology clinic. If your child is unconscious or has a seizure, call 911.

Questions?

This is not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call the hematology clinic or pharmacy.

Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
Patient/Family Education
2525 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Last reviewed 8/2015 ©Copyright

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