Indications: it inhibits plasminogen activation and fibrinolysis. It may be useful when haemorrhage cannot be stopped as in prostatectomy, dental extraction in haemophiliacs, or menorrhagia; also can be used in hereditary angioedema and in thrombolytic overdose. Cautions: reduce dose in renal impairment; massive haematuria (ureteric obstruction); regular eye examinations and liver function test in long-term treatment of hereditary angioedema.

Contra-indications: thromboembolic disease; severe renal impairment.

Side Effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (reduce dose); giddiness on rapid injection; disturbances in colour vision (discontinue)

Dose: by mouth, 1 -1.5 g 2-4 times daily.

By slow IV injection, 0.5 0 1 g 3 times daily for local fibrinolysis.