Which medications in the drug class Antifibrinolytics are used in the treatment of Hemophilia B?

Updated: Oct 02, 2020
  • Author: Robert A Zaiden, MD; Chief Editor: Srikanth Nagalla, MD, MS, FACP  more...
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Answer

Antifibrinolytics

These agents are used in addition to factor IX replacement for oral mucosal hemorrhage and prophylaxis, as the oral mucosa is rich in native fibrinolytic activity. These agents are used in prophylaxis for oral surgery and in the treatment of excessive bleeding in the oral mucosa that results from local fibrinolytic activity. Their use is contraindicated as initial therapies for hemophilia-related hematuria originating from the upper urinary tract because they can cause obstructive uropathy or anuria. They should not be used in combination with prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC).

Epsilon aminocaproic acid (Amicar)

This is a lysine analog that binds to natively produced plasmin, reducing its fibrinolytic activity.

This agent inhibits fibrinolysis by inhibiting plasminogen activator substances and, to a lesser degree, antiplasmin activity. The principal drawbacks of this agent are that thrombi formed during treatment are not lysed, and its effectiveness is uncertain. It has been used to prevent recurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

This agent is widely distributed. Its half-life is 1-2 hours. Peak effect occurs within 2 hours. Hepatic metabolism is minimal.

Tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron)

Tranexamic acid is an alternative to aminocaproic acid. It inhibits fibrinolysis by displacing plasminogen from fibrin.


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