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Overview: Aminocaproic acid helps reduce certain types of bleeding. Common side effects may include headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. Serious side effects are less common and may include muscle problems or a blood clot. Tell your health care provider right away if you have muscle pain or weakness or chest pain while taking this medicine. Aminocaproic acid is available as a tablet and as a liquid.

Uses

What is aminocaproic acid used for?

Aminocaproic acid is commonly used to reduce bleeding when you have a blood clotting problem.

Aminocaproic acid may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does aminocaproic acid work (mechanism of action)?

Aminocaproic acid reduces bleeding by stopping the breakdown of blood clots.

How is aminocaproic acid supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Amicar

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 500 mg, 1000 mg oral tablets
  • 0.25 gm/mL oral solution

How should I store aminocaproic acid?

Aminocaproic acid tablets and oral solution should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of aminocaproic acid?

The most common side effects of aminocaproic acid are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Fluid retention
  • Headache
  • General feeling of being unwell, tired, or not having your usual energy
  • Allergic reaction, itching, or rash
  • Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
  • Nasal congestion

There may be other side effects of aminocaproic acid that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of aminocaproic acid?

While less common, the most serious side effects of aminocaproic acid are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Aminocaproic acid may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking aminocaproic acid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Blood Clots. Aminocaproic acid may cause blood clots in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism, including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Stop taking aminocaproic acid and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of blood clots. 

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache

Muscle Problems. Aminocaproic acid may rarely cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Keep all appointments, including lab appointments, while you are taking this medicine. Stop taking aminocaproic acid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.

  • Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
  • Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Fever
  • Muscle cramps
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea or vomiting

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use aminocaproic acid?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take aminocaproic acid.

  • Amicar
  • Aminocaproic acid
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific aminocaproic acid products they stock.

Blood Clots. Aminocaproic acid should not be used if you have an active blood clot.

What should I know about aminocaproic acid before using it?

Do not take aminocaproic acid unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share aminocaproic acid with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep aminocaproic acid out of the reach of children.

If you take aminocaproic acid liquid, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

What should I tell my health care provider before using aminocaproic acid?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if aminocaproic acid is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Blood in your urine (pee)
  • Kidney problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how aminocaproic acid could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take aminocaproic acid while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if aminocaproic acid passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does aminocaproic acid interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between aminocaproic acid and foods or drinks. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect aminocaproic acid. Alcohol can increase your risk for bleeding and this medicine is used to reduce bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink. 

Does aminocaproic acid interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking aminocaproic acid.

  • Anti-inhibitor coagulant complex (Feiba), which is a medicine used to treat certain bleeding disorders
  • Factor IX complex (Profilnine), which is a medicine used to decrease bleeding and help form blood clots
  • Prothrombin complex concentrate (Balfaxar or Kcentra), which is a medicine used to reverse the effects of a blood thinner

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with aminocaproic acid. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much aminocaproic acid?

If you or someone else has used too much aminocaproic acid, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of aminocaproic acid?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.