Ethamsylate (Etamsylate)

Etamsylate, also spelled ethamsylate, is a hemostatic and angioprotective drug used for selected veterinary bleeding indications. Injectable products are available for several companion-animal and livestock species. Its intended role is support of primary hemostasis and reduction of capillary bleeding associated with surgery, trauma or reproductive disease.

Group

Systemic haemostatic

Mechanism of Action

Etamsylate promotes platelet adhesiveness and improves aspects of capillary resistance and permeability, supporting formation of the initial hemostatic plug. These actions can shorten bleeding time and reduce capillary blood loss. The precise molecular pathways are incompletely defined. Its principal effect concerns platelet–vessel interactions rather than direct replacement of circulating coagulation factors.

Dose Rates

Cattle

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Surgical haemorrhage prevention	5–12.5 mg/kg	IV, IM	Once	Administer at least 30 minutes before surgery.
Ongoing haemorrhage	5–12.5 mg/kg	IV, IM	Every 6 h	Up to 4 days; Repeat only while bleeding persists. Treatment may be needed for one day, with a further 2-3 days in some cases.

Sheep

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Surgical haemorrhage prevention	5–12.5 mg/kg	IV, IM	Once	Administer at least 30 minutes before surgery.
Ongoing haemorrhage	5–12.5 mg/kg	IV, IM	Every 6 h	Up to 4 days; Repeat only while bleeding persists. Treatment may be needed for one day, with a further 2-3 days in some cases.

Goats

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Surgical haemorrhage prevention	5–12.5 mg/kg	IV, IM	Once	Administer at least 30 minutes before surgery.
Ongoing haemorrhage	5–12.5 mg/kg	IV, IM	Every 6 h	Up to 4 days; Repeat only while bleeding persists. Treatment may be needed for one day, with a further 2-3 days in some cases.

Pigs

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Surgical haemorrhage prevention	5–12.5 mg/kg	IV, IM	Once	Administer at least 30 minutes before surgery.
Ongoing haemorrhage	5–12.5 mg/kg	IV, IM	Every 6 h	Up to 4 days; Repeat only while bleeding persists. Treatment may be needed for one day, with a further 2-3 days in some cases.

Horses

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Surgical haemorrhage prevention	5–12.5 mg/kg	IV, IM	Once	Administer at least 30 minutes before surgery.
Ongoing haemorrhage	5–12.5 mg/kg	IV, IM	Every 6 h	Up to 4 days; Repeat only while bleeding persists. Treatment may be needed for one day, with a further 2-3 days in some cases.

Dogs

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Surgical haemorrhage prevention	5–12.5 mg/kg	IV, IM	Once	Administer at least 30 minutes before surgery.
Ongoing haemorrhage	5–12.5 mg/kg	IV, IM	Every 6 h	Up to 4 days; Repeat only while bleeding persists. Treatment may be needed for one day, with a further 2-3 days in some cases.

Cats

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Surgical haemorrhage prevention	5–12.5 mg/kg	IV, IM	Once	Administer at least 30 minutes before surgery.
Ongoing haemorrhage	5–12.5 mg/kg	IV, IM	Every 6 h	Up to 4 days; Repeat only while bleeding persists. Treatment may be needed for one day, with a further 2-3 days in some cases.

Indications

Prevention or treatment of surgical hemorrhage in cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, dogs and cats using a corresponding veterinary product.
Adjunctive treatment of post-traumatic hemorrhage in those species.
Prevention or treatment of selected obstetric or gynecologic hemorrhage in the indicated species.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to etamsylate or sulfite-containing excipients.

Adverse effects

Hypersensitivity reactions are possible.

Toxicity

No specific antidote is established; treat adverse reactions supportively.

Preparations

Preparation	Form	Strength	Route
Hemosilate 125 mg/mL Contains sulfites; maximum 20 mL per injection site.	Injection	125 mg / mL	IV, IM

Monitoring and Administration

Ligate disrupted large vessels; etamsylate cannot close them.

Give prophylactic treatment at least 30 minutes before surgery. For the 125 mg/mL injection, use a maximum of 20 mL per injection site and separate sites when necessary.