MECHANISM OF ACTION
- Competitively inhibits the activation of plasminogen to plasmin, thereby reducing fibrin clot degradation.
- At high doses can directly inhibit plasmin activity.
INDICATIONS
- Menorrhagia.
- Epistaxis.
- Thrombolytic overdose.
- Prevent excessive bleeding (dental extraction in haemophilia)
CAUTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
- Thromboembolic disease
- SIDE-EFFECTS
- GI disturbance.
- Disturbance in colour vision.
METABOLISM AND HALF-LIFE
- Plasma t½ is between 2–3h.
MONITORING
- No specific drug monitoring required.
- Eye tests for long-term treatment.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
- Counters the effects of fibrinolytic agents (e.g. streptokinase, alteplase)
IMPORTANT POINTS
- Treatment should be initiated during menstruation when managing menorrhagia