Tranexamic Acid 500mg 100s

What is oral Tranexamic Acid used for​​​?

Tranexamic Acid is a medication commonly used to treat excessive bleeding. Examples include surgery, trauma, and menstruation. It blocks the breakdown of blood clots, which can help to reduce or prevent bleeding.

In low doses, Tranexamic Acid can be used as a treatment for pigmentation or melasma. It blocks the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. As such, it has a brightening effect and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and skin pigmentation.

​​How effective is oral Tranexamic Acid for pigmentation or melasma?

Oral Tranexamic Acid for melasma treatment is an off-label use and must be prescribed by a doctor as it may not be suitable for everyone.

Results from the use of oral Tranexamic Acid has been widely studied for melasma. In a Singapore study involving 561 patients, 89.7% reported an improvement in melasma after a four month treatment with oral Tranexamic Acid.

Dosage and How to Use​

• This medication may be taken with or without food.
• If you experience stomach upset, take the medication with food.
• If you are taking Tranexamic Acid for heavy menstrual bleeding, do not start taking the medicine until your menses have started.
• Do not take more than the recommended dose by your healthcare professional.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What are the possible side effects of oral Tranexamic Acid?

While side effects are uncommon at the low doses used to treat pigmentation or melasma, some potential side effects may include:

• Mild abdominal discomfort.
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Hypomenorrhea (extremely light menstrual blood flow) for women.

Most of these side effects will get better or go away as your body gets used to the medication. If they are persistent and become bothersome, please discuss it with your doctor.

What precautions should I take?

Individuals with certain medical conditions are not good candidates for oral Tranexamic Acid, such as if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You have a history of or current medical conditions such as blood clots in your legs, arteries, lungs or anywhere else in your body, stroke, seizures (fits), or problems with your kidney.

It is therefore crucial to discuss your medical history with a doctor before considering this treatment. 

What other medications and foods should I avoid when taking oral Tranexamic Acid?

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications, or herbal remedies.

Handling and storage

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
• To dispose this medication safely, pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

The above information answers some common questions about this medicine. It does not contain all the available information. It also does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

References

https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/medications/tranexamic-acid

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27206758/