This medication is used to help control bleeding due to
a condition where your blood does not clot the way it normally should
(fibrinolysis). This may cause serious bleeding after certain surgeries or
in certain conditions (such as bleeding disorders, liver disease, cancer).
Aminocaproic acid works by helping your blood clot normally. It belongs to
a class of drugs known as antifibrinolytics.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your
doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. The dosage and how
often you take this medication are based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
Your doctor should closely monitor you until your
bleeding is controlled. See also Notes section.
It is very important to take this medication as
prescribed by your doctor to get the most benefit from it. Do not skip any
doses. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer
than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk
of side effects will increase.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication,
carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not
use a household spoon because you may not get the correct
dose.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Headache, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, unusual tiredness, dizziness, stuffy nose, or watery
eyes may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor
or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- sore throat that doesn't go away
- ringing in the ears
- vision changes
- muscle pain/weakness
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
- confusion
- slow heartbeat
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- seizures
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking aminocaproic acid, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- heart disease
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- other blood/bleeding disorders (such as hemophilia)
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- blood clotting factors (such as Factor IX complex,
anti-inhibitor coagulant complex)
- tretinoin
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests,
possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your
doctors know you use this drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as platelet counts, blood
clotting tests, CPK levels) should be done while you are taking this
medication. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right
away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from
children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).