What Is Aminocaproic Acid?

Aminocaproic Acid (also known by the brand name Amicar) is an antifibrinolytic hemostatic agent used to treat and prevent excessive bleeding caused by hyperfibrinolysis — a condition where the body breaks down blood clots too quickly. It is FDA-approved for acute bleeding syndromes due to elevated fibrinolytic activity, including hemorrhagic complications following cardiac surgery, bleeding associated with hematological disorders, hepatic cirrhosis, and neoplastic disease.

It is also used off-label for prevention of dental bleeding in hemophilia patients, prophylaxis of rebleeding after subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic hyphema, hereditary angioedema, heavy menstrual bleeding, and management of radiation cystitis.

How Does Aminocaproic Acid Work?

Aminocaproic Acid is a lysine analog that works by competitively binding to the kringle domain of plasminogen, blocking its binding to fibrin and its activation to plasmin. By inhibiting plasminogen activators and, to a lesser degree, plasmin activity directly, it prevents fibrin degradation (fibrinolysis) and helps stabilize blood clots. This mechanism effectively reduces excessive bleeding by keeping clots intact longer.

What Doses Are Available for Aminocaproic Acid?

• 500 mg oral tablet — most widely available oral form
• 1000 mg oral tablet — limited availability (Akorn discontinued)
• 250 mg/mL oral solution — available from generic manufacturers
• 250 mg/mL intravenous injection (20 mL vials) — used in clinical settings, subject to periodic shortages

How Hard Is It to Find Aminocaproic Acid in Stock?

Aminocaproic Acid has a findability score of 45 out of 100, meaning it can be moderately difficult to locate in stock. The injectable (IV) formulation has experienced periodic shortages due to Pfizer manufacturing delays, and Akorn's discontinuation of the 1000 mg oral tablet has reduced supplier options. The 500 mg tablet and oral solution remain available from generic manufacturers, but supply can be inconsistent depending on your region. Using Medfinder can help you quickly check which pharmacies near you currently have it in stock.

Who Can Prescribe Aminocaproic Acid?

Aminocaproic Acid is most commonly prescribed by specialists, including:

• Hematologists — for bleeding disorders and clotting conditions
• Cardiothoracic surgeons — to reduce bleeding during and after cardiac surgery
• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons — for dental bleeding in hemophilia patients
• Urologists — for hematuria management
• OB/GYNs — for heavy menstrual bleeding
• Emergency medicine physicians — for acute bleeding emergencies
• Anesthesiologists — during surgical procedures
• Ophthalmologists — for traumatic hyphema

Any licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant can prescribe it, but it is most often initiated by the specialties above.

Is Aminocaproic Acid a Controlled Substance?

No, Aminocaproic Acid is not a controlled substance. It has no DEA scheduling and does not carry abuse or dependence potential. It can be prescribed and dispensed like any standard prescription medication without the restrictions that apply to controlled substances.

Common Side Effects of Aminocaproic Acid

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea and stomach pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Stuffy nose and watery eyes
• Fatigue
• Skin rash

Serious side effects (seek immediate medical attention):

• Blood clots (DVT, pulmonary embolism, arterial thrombosis)
• Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
• Acute renal failure
• Seizures
• Bradycardia and hypotension
• Allergic reactions (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)

Alternative Medications to Aminocaproic Acid

• Tranexamic Acid (Lysteda, Cyklokapron) — Another lysine-analog antifibrinolytic that is approximately 10 times more potent than Aminocaproic Acid. Available as oral tablets, IV injection, and topical formulations. Widely used for heavy menstrual bleeding, surgical bleeding, and trauma.
• Desmopressin (DDAVP, Stimate) — A synthetic vasopressin analog that stimulates release of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII. Used for mild hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease. Available as nasal spray, IV, and subcutaneous injection.
• Aprotinin (Trasylol) — A natural serine protease inhibitor used to reduce bleeding during cardiac surgery. Reintroduced with restricted use after being temporarily withdrawn for safety concerns.

Drug Interactions with Aminocaproic Acid

• Factor IX complex concentrates and anti-inhibitor coagulant concentrates — Significantly increased risk of thrombosis when combined
• Estrogens and hormonal contraceptives — Increased thrombotic risk
• Tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid) — Increased thrombotic risk
• Defibrotide — Aminocaproic Acid decreases its effects by pharmacodynamic antagonism
• Thrombolytic agents (Alteplase, Reteplase, Tenecteplase) — Aminocaproic Acid counteracts their clot-dissolving effects

Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, before starting Aminocaproic Acid.

Final Thoughts on Aminocaproic Acid

Aminocaproic Acid is a vital antifibrinolytic medication for patients dealing with excessive bleeding conditions, but finding it in stock can be challenging due to periodic shortages — particularly the IV formulation and the 1000 mg tablet. With a findability score of 45, patients may need to check multiple pharmacies. Discount coupons from GoodRx or SingleCare can bring the cash price down to as low as $32–$36 for oral tablets. If you're having trouble locating Aminocaproic Acid, Medfinder can help you search nearby pharmacies for real-time availability.