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[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · [Antifibrinolytic haemostatics](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antifibrinolytic-haemostatics/)

# Aminocaproic acid

An older lysine analogue antifibrinolytic used when excessive fibrinolysis causes bleeding, such as after heart or prostate surgery.

Updated 2026-11-01

- Class: [Antifibrinolytic haemostatics](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antifibrinolytic-haemostatics/)
- Target: Lysine-binding sites (kringle domains) of plasminogen
- ATC code: B02AA01

Also called: epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA)

◆**Lysine-binding sites (kringle domains) of plasminogen**Aminocaproic acid

ⓘ The figure shows epsilon-aminocaproic acid (6-aminohexanoic acid) bound to kringle 4 of human plasminogen.

**Target in 3D:** Lysine-binding sites (kringle domains) of plasminogen. PDB structure 2PK4 (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/2PK4) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

## Mechanism of action

Like tranexamic acid, it is a lysine analogue that competes for the lysine-binding sites of plasminogen and plasmin. It mainly inhibits plasminogen activation and, to a lesser degree, plasmin itself, so fibrin is not digested.

- Plasminogen binds fibrin through its lysine-binding sites
- The drug, a lysine analogue, occupies those sites
- Plasminogen and plasmin cannot attach to fibrin
- The clot is protected from early breakdown

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
Absorbed rapidly by mouth; also given intravenously

**Elimination**
Kidneys, mostly unchanged

**Half-life**
About 2 hours

## Indications

- Bleeding when fibrinolysis contributes, e.g. after cardiac or prostatic surgery
- Haemophilia, to reduce bleeding after tooth extraction [Haemophilia A and B →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/haemophilia-a-and-b/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea
- Dizziness, headache
- Hypotension with rapid intravenous injection

### Serious (rare, important)

- Myopathy with muscle necrosis and rhabdomyolysis after prolonged use
- Clots blocking the kidneys or ureters in upper urinary tract bleeding
- Thrombosis

## Contraindications

- Active intravascular clotting; disseminated intravascular coagulation unless heparin is given too
- Haematuria from the upper urinary tract (unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk)

## Key interactions

**Pro-thrombotic products (factor IX complex concentrates, hormonal contraceptives)**
Possible additive risk of thrombosis

## What is monitored

- Creatine kinase (CK) during long courses; stopped if it rises
- Blood pressure and heart rhythm during infusion
- Urine output and kidney function

## Administration and safety

- Rapid intravenous injection is avoided because it can cause hypotension, bradycardia and arrhythmias
- Used only when laboratory findings show hyperfibrinolysis; it is not a treatment for DIC

## Nursing care

- Monitor blood pressure and heart rate during the infusion
- Ask about muscle pain or weakness and dark urine
- Watch for signs of thrombosis and reduced urine output

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Human data are limited; it is used in pregnancy only if clearly needed (for example, bleeding from placental abruption).

## Memory aid

«Amino-CAPro» caps plasmin, but watch the Creatine kinase And Pressure.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## What muscle toxicity can prolonged use cause?

Myopathy with necrosis and rhabdomyolysis; CK is monitored.

## Why must DIC be distinguished from primary fibrinolysis before using it?

In DIC, blocking fibrinolysis without heparin can worsen intravascular clotting.

## What happens with fast intravenous injection?

Hypotension, bradycardia or arrhythmias.

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## Related drugs

- [Tranexamic acid](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/tranexamic-acid/)
- [Heparin](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/heparin/)

## Related conditions

- [Haemophilia A and B](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/haemophilia-a-and-b/)

[← Back to the class: Antifibrinolytic haemostatics](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antifibrinolytic-haemostatics/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [DailyMed - AMINOCAPROIC ACID injection, solution](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1c5bc1dd-e9ec-44c1-9281-67ad482315d9) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [Aminocaproic Acid: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608023.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2023); Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed., ch. 36 (McGraw Hill, 2023); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=B02AA01) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/aminocaproic-acid/