Tranexamic Acid 701-54-2

Tranexamic Acid is a synthetic antifibrinolytic medication. It is a lysine analogue that competitively inhibits the activation of plasminogen to plasmin, thereby effectively preventing the degradation of fibrin blood clots.

As a potent hemostatic agent (anti-bleeding drug), its primary medical use is to control or prevent excessive bleeding in various conditions. It is widely used in surgery (including cardiac, orthopedic, and plastic surgery), trauma (as evidenced by the landmark CRASH-2 trial), and in managing heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and bleeding associated with hereditary angioedema.

Beyond its systemic hemostatic applications, Tranexamic Acid has gained significant popularity in dermatology and cosmetic dermatology for its skin brightening and anti-hyperpigmentation effects. It works by inhibiting the interaction between plasmin and keratinocytes, which in turn decreases the production of prostaglandins and melanocyte-stimulating factors, leading to a reduction in melanin synthesis. It is effectively used topically and via intradermal injections (mesotherapy) to treat conditions like melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Key features of Tranexamic Acid include its high oral bioavailability, good safety profile when used appropriately, and its status as an essential medicine on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for its role in postpartum hemorrhage management. Compared to other antifibrinolytics like aminocaproic acid, it is approximately 10 times more potent.