Aminocaproic Acid
Antihemorrhagics
View Brand Names (1)Dose and dosage
For adjunctive treatment of degenerative myelopathy (seen primarily in German shepherds):
a) Aminocaproic acid 500 mg/dog PO q8h indefinitely. Used in conjunction with acetylcysteine at 25 mg/kg PO q8h for 2 weeks, then q8h every other day. The 20% solution should be diluted to 5% with chicken broth or suitable diluent. Other treatments may include prednisone (0.25– 0.5 mg/kg PO daily for 10 days then every other day), Vitamin C (1000 mg PO q12h) and Vitamin E (1000 Int. Units PO q12). Note: No treatment has been shown to be effective in published trials. (Shell 2003) As an antifibrinolytic:
a) No published doses for dogs, but has been used anecdotally at 50–100 mg/kg IV or PO q6h. (Hopper 2006)
40-50mg/kg body weight
Aminocaproic acid is contraindicated in patients with active intravascular clotting. It should only be used when the benefits outweigh the risks in patients with preexisting cardiac, renal or hepatic disease.
Aminocaproic acid inhibits fibrinolysis via its inhibitory effects on plasminogen activator substances and via some antiplasmin action.
ESTROGENS: Hypercoagulation states may occur in patients receiving aminocaproic acid and estrogens
GI irritation. It potentially can cause hyperkalemia particularly in renal impaired patients. Temporary thin stools, reddening of the skin, pain in the flesh, abdominal pain and physical weakness.
There is very limited information on overdoses with aminocaproic acid. The IV lethal dose in dogs is reportedly 2.3 g/kg. At lower IV overdosages, tonicclonic seizures were noted in some dogs. There is no known antidote, but the drug is dialyzable.
In humans, the FDA categorizes this drug as category C for use during pregnancy.
Should not be used during the first stages of pregnancy and lactation
Meat and Milk: 3 days.