Aminocaproic Acid Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the therapeutic class of Aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?

Clot stabilizer

What is the pharmacological class of Aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?

Hemostatic/antifibrinolytic

What is the mechanism of action of Aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?

Drug inactivates plasminogen, precursor of enzyme plasmin that digests the fibrin clot

What are the main uses of Aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?

Excessive bleeding due to clots dissolving prematurely; IV during acute hemorrhage; common post-surgery to reduce bleeding; used in hemophilia A patients after dental procedures. Signup and view all the answers

What are the adverse effects of Aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?

Used cautiously in patients with a history of thromboembolic disease; rapid IV administration may cause hypotension or bradycardia. Signup and view all the answers

What are the contraindications for using Aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?

Patients with disseminated intravascular clotting or chronic kidney disease Signup and view all the answers

What are the drug interactions associated with Aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?

Hypercoagulation may occur with estrogens or oral contraceptives. Signup and view all the answers

What are the administration alerts for Aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?

May cause hypotension and bradycardia when given IV; assess vital signs frequently; cardiac monitor to assess dysrhythmias. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aminocaproic Acid Overview

Aminocaproic acid is classified as a clot stabilizer within the therapeutic class.
It falls under the pharmacological class of hemostatic and antifibrinolytic agents.

Mechanism of Action

Functions by inactivating plasminogen, which is the precursor to plasmin, an enzyme that digests fibrin clots.

Clinical Uses

Effective in treating excessive bleeding caused by premature clot dissolution.
Administered intravenously during acute hemorrhages, achieving effects within 1-2 hours.
Available in tablet form, widely used post-surgery to reduce bleeding.
May be given to Hemophilia A patients following dental procedures.
Recommended therapeutic serum level is between 100-400 mcg/mL.

Adverse Effects

Caution advised for patients with a history of thromboembolic disease.
Rapid intravenous administration can lead to hypotension or bradycardia.
Overall side effects tend to be mild.

Contraindications

Not suitable for patients with disseminated intravascular clotting or chronic kidney disease.

Drug Interactions

Use with estrogens or oral contraceptives can result in hypercoagulation.
May cause elevated serum potassium levels in lab tests.

Administration Alerts

Monitoring for hypotension and bradycardia is critical during IV administration.
Frequent vital signs assessment is necessary, along with cardiac monitoring to detect any dysrhythmias.

Description

Test your knowledge of Aminocaproic acid (Amicar) with these flashcards. Learn about its therapeutic and pharmacological classes, mechanism of action, and common uses in treating excessive bleeding. This quiz is perfect for students in pharmacology or related fields.