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Tranexamic Acid

Prescription
Antifibrinolytic agent
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Synthetic lysine analog that competitively inhibits plasminogen activation by blocking lysine-binding sites on plasminogen, preventing its conversion to plasmin and thereby inhibiting fibrinolysis and stabilizing blood clots

At a glance

Class
Antifibrinolytic agent
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Hemorrhage (surgical, traumatic), hemoabdomen adjunct, DIC adjunct
Dose
10–25 mg/kg
Route
IV (slow), PO
Frequency
BID to TID
Max dose
1000 mg/dose; 3000 mg/day
Duration: 3–5 days or until hemorrhage controlled
🐈

Cat

Hemorrhage, hyphema
Dose
10–20 mg/kg
Route
IV (slow), PO
Frequency
BID to TID
Max dose
250 mg/dose; 750 mg/day
Duration: 3–5 days

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 1

Strength
500mg
Available in India
💉

Injectable solution — 1

Strength
100mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Active thromboembolic disease
    Antifibrinolytic may worsen existing thrombosis

Use with caution

  • DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
    Use only in hyperfibrinolytic phase with hematologist guidance
  • Renal impairment
    Renally excreted; dose reduction needed

Adverse effects

Common
GI upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
Serious
Thromboembolism
Seizures (rare, high IV doses)
Renal cortical necrosis (rare)

Monitoring parameters

Coagulation parameters (PT, aPTT, fibrinogen)Signs of thromboembolismHemorrhage controlRenal function

Interactions

Major — 1

Estradiol
major
Estrogens increase clotting factor synthesis and reduce antithrombin III. Tranexamic acid inhibits fibrinolysis. Combined: significantly increased thromboembolism risk.
Management: Avoid combination. If antifibrinolytic needed in patient on estrogen, monitor closely for thrombosis.

Brands

International

Cyklokapron
Pfizer
Lysteda
Ferring

India

Tranexa
Sun Pharma
Pause
Cipla

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Tranexamic Acid?
Tranexamic Acid is a antifibrinolytic agent used in pets. Synthetic lysine analog that competitively inhibits plasminogen activation by blocking lysine-binding sites on plasminogen, preventing its conversion to plasmin and thereby inhibiting fibrinolysis and stabilizing blood clots
›What is Tranexamic Acid used for in pets?
Tranexamic Acid is used in veterinary medicine for: Hemorrhage (surgical, traumatic), hemoabdomen adjunct, DIC adjunct; Hemorrhage, hyphema.
›What is the Tranexamic Acid dose for dogs?
For dogs, Tranexamic Acid is typically dosed as follows — Hemorrhage (surgical, traumatic), hemoabdomen adjunct, DIC adjunct: 10–25 mg/kg IV (slow)/PO BID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Tranexamic Acid dose for cats?
For cats, Tranexamic Acid is typically dosed as follows — Hemorrhage, hyphema: 10–20 mg/kg IV (slow)/PO BID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Tranexamic Acid?
Common: GI upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Serious (call your vet immediately): Thromboembolism, Seizures (rare, high IV doses), Renal cortical necrosis (rare).
›Does Tranexamic Acid need a prescription?
Yes. Tranexamic Acid is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Tranexamic Acid not be used?
Do not use Tranexamic Acid if: Active thromboembolic disease.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

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