If you or your child have been prescribed tranexamic acid, follow your doctor's or dentist's instructions about how and when to take it.
If you buy tranexamic acid from a pharmacy, follow the instructions that come with it, or ask a pharmacist for advice.
Dosage
Tranexamic acid comes as 500mg tablets. For adults the usual dose is 2 or 3 tablets, taken 3 times a day. Doses are usually lower for people with kidney problems.
The liquid comes in different strengths. Follow the instructions on the label to make sure you take the right dose.
If your child is prescribed tranexamic acid, the doctor will use your child's weight or age to work out the right dose.
Changes to your dose
Most people taking tranexamic acid take 2 tablets (1,000mg), 3 times a day.
If this is not working well enough to control your bleeding, your doctor may tell you to take 2 tablets 4 times day.
How to take it
You can take tranexamic acid tablets or liquid with or without food.
Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.
If you're taking the liquid, it will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.
If you've been told to take the tablets or liquid 3 or 4 times a day, try to space the doses evenly throughout the day.
If your dentist has prescribed tranexamic mouthwash, this might come as a ready-made mouthwash or as a tablet that you mix with water. Follow the instructions that come with your medicine.
How long to take it for
Tranexamic acid is usually used for a short time to treat bleeding. You'll usually take this medicine for 4 days for heavy periods, or for 7 days to treat other bleeding that does not stop by itself.
If you have a condition such as hereditary angioedema you may need to take it when needed, for example when you have a procedure such as dental treatment.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take your dose of tranexamic acid, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
Taking 1 extra dose of tranexamic acid is unlikely to harm you.
However, if you take too much you may get side effects. These can include feeling or being sick, diarrhoea and feeling dizzy. Speak to your doctor if you're worried or if these side effects are troubling you.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
you've taken more than the recommended dose of tranexamic acid and:
- you get problems with your eyesight
- one of your legs or arms is painful, swollen, red and warm to touch
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111. Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you've taken more than the recommended dose of tranexamic acid and you suddenly get shortness of breath, or a sharp pain in your chest, and start coughing or coughing up blood – these could be signs of a blood clot in your lungs
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the tranexamic acid packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.