Vetdrugs 2.0Aminocaproic acid is a synthetic lysine analogue with antifibrinolytic activity. Veterinary applications include selected bleeding disorders involving excessive clot breakdown and prevention of delayed postoperative bleeding in predisposed dogs. The strongest population-specific clinical experience concerns retired racing Greyhounds, while evidence for other bleeding indications varies.
Group
Antifibrinolytic; lysine analogue
Mechanism of Action
Aminocaproic acid interferes with lysine-dependent binding of plasminogen to fibrin and reduces its activation at the clot surface. Inhibition of plasmin-mediated fibrin degradation helps preserve an existing clot. This supports hemostasis when excessive fibrinolysis contributes to bleeding. The principal action is stabilization of formed fibrin rather than direct replacement of platelets or coagulation factors.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperfibrinolytic haemorrhage | 50–100 mg/kg | IV, PO | Every 6 h | Anecdotal source range; a separate haemostasis reference describes 50 mg/kg every 6-8 hours. Select a regimen from measured bleeding response. |
| Degenerative myelopathy - historical adjunct | 500 mg/animal | PO | Every 8 h | Historical adjunct, often with acetylcysteine and vitamins. No treatment benefit was demonstrated in the cited controlled clinical evidence; not an established disease-modifying treatment. |
Horses
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investigational antifibrinolysis | 70 mg/kg | IV | Once | Pharmacokinetic study administered over 20 minutes; an ensuing 15 mg/kg/hour infusion was proposed rather than established as a clinical standard. |
| Investigational antifibrinolysis — Maintenance | 15 mg/kg/hour | IV | Continuous | Proposed pharmacokinetic maintenance after the 70 mg/kg over-20-minute dose; not a validated efficacy protocol. |
Indications
- Adjunctive treatment of hemorrhage associated with documented or strongly suspected hyperfibrinolysis in veterinary patients.
- Prevention of delayed postoperative bleeding in selected retired racing Greyhounds undergoing gonadectomy or limb amputation, with procedure-specific clinical evidence.
- Selected management of recurrent or procedure-associated bleeding in other dogs suspected to have a fibrinolytic disorder, with limited population-specific evidence.
Contraindications
- Active intravascular clotting or uncontrolled thrombotic disease.
- Use cautiously with renal, cardiac or hepatic disease.
Interactions
- Oestrogens or other procoagulants may increase thrombotic risk.
- Avoid duplicative antifibrinolytic treatment with tranexamic acid.
Adverse effects
- Gastrointestinal upset; hyperkalaemia may occur with renal impairment.
- Rapid/excessive IV exposure may cause hypotension or neurologic effects.
Toxicity
Stop exposure and support the patient; seizures are possible with marked overdose. The drug can be removed by dialysis.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aminocaproic acid 500 mg tablet | Tablet | 500 mg / tablet | PO |
| Aminocaproic acid 1000 mg tablet | Tablet | 1000 mg / tablet | PO |
| Aminocaproic acid oral solution 250 mg/mL | Oral Liquid | 250 mg / mL | PO |
| Aminocaproic acid injection 250 mg/mL | Injection | 250 mg / mL | IV |
Monitoring and Administration
Assess bleeding mechanism, renal function and potassium; antifibrinolytic therapy does not replace surgical haemostasis or needed blood products.
Dilution for IV use may employ saline, D5W or Ringer solution where compatible with the actual formulation; avoid rapid administration.
Protect liquid products from freezing and store as specified; aldehydes/aldehydic sugars can cause discoloration.