What are some common side effects of tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron)?

The most common side effects of tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron) are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itchy rash, dizziness, and low blood pressure.

Does tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron) have any serious side effects?

Yes. Because tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron) is used to prevent bleeding, it can raise your risk of blood clots. People taking hormonal contraceptives (like [birth control pills](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/birth-control/birth-control-pill)) or certain medications used for hemophilia (e.g., [Profilnine SD (factor IX complex)](https://www.goodrx.com/profilnine-sd/what-is)) are at a higher risk of this side effect. Tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron) can also cause seizures and vision-related side effects in rare cases.

tranexamic acid

Generic Cyklokapron

Used for Hemorrhage

Tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron) is a medication used short term to prevent people with hemophilia from bleeding too much while getting a tooth pulled (tooth extraction). It's typically given in a healthcare setting because it has to be injected through the vein.

Reviewed by:

Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on September 13, 2022

What is Tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron)?

Are you looking for information on tranexamic acid (Lysteda) instead?

Drug facts

Common BrandsCyklokapron

Drug ClassAntihemorrhagic

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Common questions about Cyklokapron

Cyklokapron is an antihemorrhagic, which means it prevents excessive bleeding. This medication is approved for use in people with hemophilia, a bleeding condition in which the blood doesn't clot normally. Cyklokapron works by preventing the breakdown of certain clotting proteins in order to allow your blood to clot. The dose is based on your weight and the medication is given through the vein (intravenously). It's typically given as a single dose before a tooth extraction. It can also be given 3 to 4 times daily for 2 to 8 days after a tooth extraction.

Cyklokapron is only FDA-approved to lower the chance of bleeding before and after tooth extraction. But this medication is used to prevent bleeding in other procedures as well. Clinical guidelines from the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons support using Cyklokapron during total joint replacement surgery (i.e., knee and hip replacements) to avoid too much blood loss and the need for a blood transfusion. And medical organizations like the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend the use of Cyklokapron (along with other standard practices) in females with excessive bleeding after vaginal birth or cesarean section (C-section).

Cyklokapron and Lysteda both contain the same active ingredient: tranexamic acid. Lysteda is taken by mouth and is used to treat heavy periods, while Cyklokapron can only be given intravenously and is used to prevent heavy bleeding after certain surgical procedures. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

The most common side effects of Cyklokapron are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itchy rash, dizziness, and low blood pressure.

Yes. Because Cyklokapron is used to prevent bleeding, it can raise your risk of blood clots. People taking hormonal contraceptives (like birth control pills) or certain medications used for hemophilia (e.g., Profilnine SD (factor IX complex)) are at a higher risk of this side effect. Cyklokapron can also cause seizures and vision-related side effects in rare cases.