Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic medicine used to treat or prevent excessive blood loss. It is on the WHO’s list of essential medicines.
Indications:
Major trauma (decreases the risk of death due to significant bleeding following trauma); surgery (reduce blood loss and decrease need for post-operative transfusions); postpartum bleeding (usually in conjunction with oxytocin); heavy menstruation; tooth removal; nosebleeds (either topically or orally).
Mechanism of action:
Tranexamic acid has antifibrinolytic actions by reversibly binding to lysine receptor sites on plasminogen which decreases the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin to preventing fibrin degradation and preserving the framework of fibrin’s matrix structure.
Side Effects:
Very uncommon. Can affect color vision; blood clots; allergic reactions
External Links:
Tranexamic Acid Utilization in Foot and Ankle Surgery
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