Amicar

What Is Amicar?

Amicar (aminocaproic acid) acts as an inhibitor of fibrinolysis and is used to treat severe bleeding caused by problems with the blood clotting system, which helps you to stop bleeding. Aminocaproic acid works by affecting the blood clotting system, thereby slowing/stopping bleeding after surgery, in some bleeding conditions, or in severe liver disease. Amicar is available in generic form.

What Are Side Effects of Amicar?

Common side effects of Amicar include:

• muscle pain or weakness,
• headache,
• stomach pain,
• loss of appetite,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• unusual tiredness,
• dizziness,
• stuffy nose,
• watery eyes,
• vision problems,
• ringing in your ears,
• skin rash, or
• decreased amount of semen when having an orgasm (in men).

Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but serious side effects of Amicar including:

• shortness of breath,
• muscle pain/weakness,
• changes in the amount of urine,
• confusion,
• slow heartbeat,
• persistent sore throat, or
• unusual bleeding or bruising.

Dosage for Amicar

For the treatment of acute bleeding syndromes due to elevated fibrinolytic activity, the dose of Amicar is five 1000 mg tablets, or ten 500 mg tablets, or 20 ml of oral solution (5 g) given during the first hour of treatment, followed by one 1000 mg tablet, or two 500 mg tablets, or 5 ml of oral solution (1.25 g) per hour. This is ordinarily continued for 8 hours or until bleeding is controlled.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Amicar?

Amicar may interact with blood clotting factors, hormonal birth control, or estrogens. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use.

Amicar During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

During pregnancy, Amicar should be used only when prescribed. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Additional Information

Our Amicar (aminocaproic acid) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using aminocaproic acid and call your doctor at once if you have:

• unexplained muscle pain or weakness (especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark colored urine);
• sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
• numbness, tingling, or cold feeling in your arms or legs;
• slow heart rate, trouble breathing, feeling like you might pass out;
• kidney problems--little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or
• signs of a blood clot--sudden numbness or weakness, tingling or cold feeling in an arm or leg, trouble breathing, sudden cough or chest pain, or swelling, warmth, or redness in your arms or legs.

Common side effects may include:

• muscle weakness;
• headache;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
• (in men) decreased amount of semen when having an orgasm;
• stuffy nose, watery eyes;
• vision problems, ringing in your ears; or
• itching, rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the entire detailed patient monograph for Amicar (Aminocaproic Acid)