Aminocaproic Acid

(a mee noe ka PROE ik AS id)

Dosage Forms

• This medicine is available as an injection, a liquid, and a tablet.

Pharmacologic Category

• Antifibrinolytic Agent
• Antihemophilic Agent
• Hemostatic Agent
• Lysine Analog

What key warnings should I know about before giving this medicine to my child?

• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with child's healthcare provider.

Is it safe for my child to take this medicine?

• Not if your child has an allergy to aminocaproic acid or any other part of this medicine.
• Be sure to let healthcare provider know if your child has any allergies or reactions to medicine, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected your child. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Not if your child has an active clot.
• Not if your child has an intravascular clot (without heparin use).

Why does my child need this medicine?

• This medicine is used to prevent and treat bleeding.

How does this medicine work?

• Aminocaproic acid works to prevent and reduce bleeding.

How is this medicine given?

• Oral:
• Give this medicine with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• A liquid (syrup) is available if your child cannot swallow pills.
• Children who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use measuring device that comes with the medicine. If none is available, get an oral syringe, a medicine dropper, a medicine spoon, or a medicine cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.
• Injection:
• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.

How long does this medicine take to work?

• This medicine starts working as soon as it is given.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your child's regular schedule.
• Do not give a double dose or extra doses.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this medicine?

• Check your child's medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Headache.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals and frequent mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Belly pain or heartburn.
• Nasal congestion.
• Swelling.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Injection (I.V.):
• Short-term discomfort after use.
• Pain and irritation where the medicine goes into the body.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For the occurrence of side effects.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

• If any of this information causes you to be concerned, any of the common side effects occur, or if your child's symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• If your child shows signs of a life-threatening reaction, call healthcare provider or emergency department immediately. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child exhibits any other unusual behavior.
• If your child has unusual bruising or bleeding.
• If your child is unable to pass urine.
• If your child develops a rash.
• No improvement in condition or if you believe your child's condition is worse.

How should I store and/or dispose of this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.
• Do not freeze liquid.
• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• The injection will be given to your child in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If your child has a life-threatening allergy, he/she should wear an allergy identification bracelet at all times.
• This medicine is available by prescription only.
• This medicine should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the medicine becomes outdated.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many medications interact with other medications. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to your child's healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with your child's healthcare provider before giving him/her any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.

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