Tranexamic Acid

Tranexamic acid is a medicine that helps reduce bleeding by slowing the breakdown of blood clots. It is an antifibrinolytic medicine: it supports clots that have already formed, rather than creating new clots throughout the body. A clinician may prescribe tablets, or use another formulation depending on the reason for treatment and the care setting.

The medicine acts on the body's clot-stabilising process. Its effect depends on the dose, route, timing, and the bleeding problem being treated. It does not treat every cause of bleeding, and it does not replace assessment when bleeding is new, unusually heavy, or accompanied by severe pain, faintness, or shortness of breath.

In women's health, tranexamic acid may be used for heavy menstrual bleeding when a clinician considers it appropriate. It is also used in some dermatology plans for melasma, where the aim is to influence pigment-related activity rather than bleeding. The route and monitoring plan differ between these uses, so do not transfer instructions from one treatment to another.

The alternative depends on the goal. Heavy menstrual bleeding may be managed with options such as anti-inflammatory medicines, hormonal treatment, or an intrauterine system after evaluation of the cause. Melasma plans may include sun protection, topical pigment treatments, or procedures. A clinician can match an option to pregnancy plans, medical history, skin sensitivity, and the reason for treatment.

Before starting, share any history of blood clots, kidney problems, vision changes, seizures, or an allergy to the medicine. Tell the clinician about prescribed medicines, supplements, and hormonal contraception. Take it only as directed. Seek urgent medical help for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, one-sided leg swelling, or sudden weakness; these symptoms need prompt assessment regardless of why the medicine was prescribed.

For heavy menstrual bleeding, treatment is often limited to the bleeding days specified by the prescriber. Dermatology use may follow a different schedule and review plan. Do not extend, restart, or share treatment without advice. Contact the prescribing team about troublesome symptoms, changes in bleeding, or visual symptoms so they can decide whether the plan should change.