Epsilon-Aminocaproic Acid (Amicar)


Uses

  • EACA is a hemostatic agent used in the treatment of hyperfibrinolysis associated with excessive bleeding.

  • Indications: Fibrinolytic bleeding associated with surgical complications following heart surgery (with or without CPB) and portacaval shunt; surgical hematuria (following prostatectomy and nephrectomy) or nonsurgical hematuria (accompanying polycystic or neoplastic diseases of the GU system); acute and life-threatening abruptio placentae; hepatic cirrhosis; neoplastic disease such as carcinoma of the prostate, lung, stomach, and cervix; hematologic disorders such as amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia

  • Methods of administration: IV solution, oral solution, tablets

Perioperative Risks

  • Increased risk of developing thrombosis in pts, who are concurrently treated with factor IX complex or antiinhibitor coagulant complex

Worry About

  • EACA should not be used when there is evidence of an active intravascular clotting process. When there is uncertainty as to whether the cause of bleeding is primary fibrinolysis or DIC, this distinction must almost certainly be made before administering EACA. EACA must not be used in the presence of DIC without concomitant heparin.

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