Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

No tranexamic acid

Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent that inhibits plasminogen activation, reducing fibrin degradation and promoting blood clot stability.

Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent that inhibits plasminogen activation, reducing fibrin degradation and promoting blood clot stability. Used for Reduction of blood loss in surgical procedures, Heavy menstrual bleeding, Hereditary angioedema.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Tranexamic acid works by competitively inhibiting the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, thereby suppressing fibrinolysis (the breakdown of blood clots). By stabilizing fibrin clots, it reduces bleeding in conditions characterized by excessive fibrinolysis or bleeding. This mechanism makes it useful in surgical settings and in managing heavy menstrual bleeding.

Approved indications

• Reduction of blood loss in surgical procedures
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Hereditary angioedema

Common side effects

• Thromboembolic events (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Key clinical trials

• Hemoglobin Drop and Need for Blood Transfusion in Primary Knee Arthroplasty With or Without Drain Insertion (NA)
• Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage With Tranexamic Acid (PHASE2)
• Effects of Red and Infrared Photobiomodulation in Rhinoplasty at a Single Centre (NA)
• Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Blood Loss in Patients With Pelvic Tumors Undergoing Hemipelvectomy Surgery (EARLY_PHASE1)
• Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Commonly Used Drugs in Lactating Women and Breastfed Infants
• Precision Use of TXA in Intracerebral Hemorrhage (NA)
• Effect of Intravenous and Topical Tranexamic Acid on Drain Output in Breast Reduction Surgery (PHASE4)
• Traditional vs. Posterior Nasal Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Rhinitis (NA)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.