Adult Dosing
Acute bleeding due to hyperfibrinolysis
- Start: 4-5 g IV over 60 min and then a continuing infusion at the rate of 1 g/hr x8 hr or until the hemorrhage is controlled
- Max: 30 g/day
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established
[Outline]
- Aminocaproic acid may cause intrarenal obstruction in the form of glomerular capillary thrombosis or clots in the renal pelvis and ureters when used in patients with upper urinary tract bleeding. Hence, should be used in hematuria of upper urinary tract origin, only if the possible benefits outweigh the risk
- Prolonged administration of aminocaproic acid may cause skeletal muscle weakness with necrosis of muscle fibers. Clinical presentation may range from mild myalgias with weakness and fatigue to a severe proximal myopathy with rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, and acute renal failure. Monitor creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels periodically during long-term use and discontinue therapy if a rise in CPK is noted
- Consider the possibility of cardiac muscle damage when skeletal myopathy occurs during aminocaproic acid therapy
- Do not use without a definite diagnosis and/or laboratory finding indicative of hyperfibrinolysis because aminocaproic acid inhibits both the action of plasminogen activators and to a lesser degree, plasmin activity
- There have been reports indicating increased incidence of certain neurological deficits such as hydrocephalus, cerebral ischemia, or cerebral vasospasm associated with the use of antifibrinolytic agents in the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). These events have also been described as part of the natural course of SAH or as a consequence of diagnostic procedures; however, the drug relatedness is unclear
- Do not administer epsilon-aminocaproic acid with Factor IX Complex concentrates or anti-inhibitor coagulant concentrates as it may increase the risk of thrombosis
- Before administering aminocaproic acid, the amount of fibrinolysis present should be determined using both semiquantitative and quantitative techniques for the determination of profibrinolysin, fibrinolysin, and antifibrinolysin
- Avoid rapid IV administration of the drug as it may induce hypotension, bradycardia, and/or arrhythmia
- Care should be directed towards avoiding thrombophlebitis, a possibility with all intravenous therapy, by proper insertion of the needle and the fixing of its position
Cautions: Use cautiously in
- Renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Hematuria
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: Safety unknown. As per manufacturer's data, it is unknown whether the drug is excreted in human milk; manufacturer recommends caution when administered to nursing women.
US Trade Name(s)
US Availability
aminocaproic acid (generic)
- INJ: 250 mg/mL (20 mL vial)
Canadian Trade Name(s)
Canadian Availability
UK Trade Name(s)
UK Availability
Australian Trade Name(s)
Australian Availability
[Outline]