Tranexamic Acid

Question 1

What is the drug class of Tranexamic Acid?

Answer 1

Antifibrinolytic
Inhibits the process of fibrinolysis in addition to the protein breakdown caused by plasmin.

Question 2

What is the onset time of Tranexamic Acid?

Answer 2

Minutes

Question 3

What is the duration of action for Tranexamic Acid?

Answer 3

17 hours

Question 4

List the indications for the use of Tranexamic Acid

Answer 4

• Significant trauma (< 3 hours) with signs of hypovolaemia
• Significant active haemorrhage that requires the use of tourniquet/s or haemostatic/pressure dressing/s
• Suspected head injury (< 3 hours) with GCS motor score of 4 or below
• Severe Primary or Secondary Post-Partum Haemorrhage (> 1000 mL) or PPH with signs of hypovolaemia (birth/bleed occurred < 3 hours)
• Significant post tonsilectomy haemorrhage

Question 5

What is a contraindication for Tranexamic Acid?

Answer 5

• Known hypersensitivity to Tranexamic Acid
• Injury time more than 3hrs

Question 6

What is the adult IV/IO dosage for Tranexamic Acid?

Answer 6

• 1 g slowly over 10 minutes
• 1g in 250ml Normal saline slow IV infusion over 10 mins
  SINGLE DOSE ONLY

Question 7

What should be avoided during the administration of Tranexamic Acid to prevent complications?

Answer 7

Rapid administration may cause hypotension

Question 8

What is the pediatric IV/IO dosage for Tranexamic Acid?

Answer 8

15 mg/kg slowly over 10 minutes (max injection rate 50 mg/minute) single dose only

Question 9

True or False: Tranexamic Acid can be administered in multiple doses.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

List four side effects of Tranexamic Acid.

Answer 10

• Headache
• Hypotension
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Seizures