Tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron)

How does this medicine work?

Tranexamic acid (tran-ex-am-ik ass-id) helps prevent the breakdown of blood 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?

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

Give it at regular times to keep a steady level in the bloodstream. Your child should be awake and alert when taking any medicine. Follow the checked instructions.

___ If using the liquid form, shake well right before using. 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 or breast milk and give it with a bottle nipple before feeding. Do not add the 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:

1. Crush the tablet between 2 spoons, inside a plastic bag, or in folded paper.
2. Mix the powder with a very small amount (about 1 teaspoon) of soft food, such as applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream, jelly, or yogurt. Make sure your child takes all of the mixture.

Do not mix medicine into hot drinks, because the heat may destroy its effectiveness.

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, Profilnine, Autoplex, or FEIBA).

Your child should not take aspirin or aspirin-containing products. Check with the doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist before giving any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbs, or vitamins.

What should I do if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you remember. Spread out the rest of that day's doses evenly. If you have questions about how to make up a missed dose, call the pharmacist or hematology/oncology clinic. Never give a double dose.

If your child vomits (throws up) within 30 minutes after receiving a dose, give it again. If your child vomits the second dose, do not repeat it again.

If your child misses or vomits more than one dose, please call the clinic.

What are the side effects?

Common

• nausea (upset stomach)
• vomiting (throwing up)
• diarrhea
• headache

Occasional

• dizziness
• giddiness
• vision changes

Rare

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

When should I call the clinic?

• continued vomiting
• less urine than normal
• blurred vision/changes in vision
• swelling in face, feet, or lower legs
• slurred speech
• slow or irregular heart beat
• chest pain
• signs of allergic reaction:
  
  • rash or hives
  • wheezing
  • trouble breathing - call 911

What else do I need to know?

Patients should not use this medicine if they have any of the following:

• pregnancy
• color blindness
• bleeding in the brain
• kidney or bladder bleeding, unless directed by the doctor
• heart, kidney, or liver disease, unless directed by the doctor

You and your child should know the names and doses of all 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 the 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.

Before giving the first dose, read the label. Be sure it is what was prescribed. After a refill, if the medicine looks different to you, ask your pharmacist about it before giving it.

Check the label for the expiration date. Flush outdated medicines down the toilet instead of putting them in the garbage.

Store all medicines in their original containers 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, call the Poison Control Center toll-free at 1-800-222-1222. If your child is unconscious or has a seizure, call 911.

Questions?

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

Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
Patient/Family Education
2525 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
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