Aminocaproic acid (Intravenous)

Generic name: aminocaproic acid [ a-mee-noe-ka-PROE-ik-AS-id ]
Brand name: Amicar
Drug class: Miscellaneous coagulation modifiers

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 9, 2023.

Uses for aminocaproic acid

Aminocaproic acid injection is an antifibrinolytic agent. It is used to treat serious bleeding conditions, especially when the bleeding occurs after dental surgery or other kinds of surgery. This medicine is also sometimes given before an operation to prevent serious bleeding for patients with medical problems that increase the chance of bleeding.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using aminocaproic acid

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of aminocaproic acid injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of aminocaproic acid injection in geriatric patients.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Anti-Inhibitor Coagulant Complex
• Tretinoin

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Blood clots, active or
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation or DIC (blood clotting problem)—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

• Blood clots, history of or
• Hematuria (blood in the urine)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

• Kidney disease—The effects of this medicine may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.

Related/similar drugs

Amicar, aminocaproic acid

Proper use of aminocaproic acid

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins. The medicine must be injected slowly, so your IV tube will need to stay in place for about 30 to 60 minutes.

Precautions while using aminocaproic acid

It is very important that your doctor check your progress while you are using this medicine. Blood tests may be needed to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Side Effects of aminocaproic acid

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

• Anxiety
• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• blood in the urine or stools
• blurred vision
• break in the skin, especially associated with blue-black discoloration, swelling, or drainage of fluid
• change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
• chest pain or discomfort
• chills
• confusion
• cough or hoarseness
• dark-colored urine
• decreased frequency or amount of urine
• difficult or labored breathing
• difficulty with moving
• difficulty with speaking
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• double vision
• fainting
• fast heartbeat
• fever with or without chills
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• general feeling of tiredness or weakness
• headache
• hives
• inability to move arms, legs, or facial muscles inability to speak
• increased thirst
• itching of the skin
• joint pain
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• muscle aching or cramping
• muscle cramps or spasms
• muscle pain or stiffness
• muscular pain, tenderness, wasting, or weakness
• nausea and vomiting
• numbness and tingling of the face, fingers, or toes
• pain in the arms, legs, or lower back, especially pain in the calves or heels upon exertion
• painful or difficult urination
• pale, bluish-colored, or cold hands or feet
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• problems with bleeding or clotting
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• shortness of breath
• skin rash
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• slow speech
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• sudden shortness of breath or troubled breathing
• sweating
• swelling
• swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
• swollen glands
• swollen joints
• tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, and prominent superficial veins over the affected area
• tightness in the chest
• troubled breathing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weak or absent pulses in the legs
• weight gain
• wheezing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• confusion as to time, place, or person
• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• decreased vision
• diarrhea
• ejaculation without semen
• hearing loss
• holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact
• mood or mental changes
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• stuffy nose
• unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
• watery eyes

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Amicar

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Hemostatic

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer