Is Tranexamic acid good or bad for you?

Tranexamic acid is a Lysine derivative with a unique structure, and its core feature is that it carries amino groups and key carboxymethyl groups on the cyclohexane ring. It is a white crystalline powder, odorless and slightly bitter in taste. Easy to soluble in water, slightly soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone.

Its source of Natural,Tranexamic acid does not exist in large quantities in nature in free form. Since it is a derivative of amino acid- Lysine, Lysine is widely present in meat, dairy products, legumes, etc. from various protein foods, but organisms need to undergo specific biosynthesis or chemical modification to produce Tranexamic acid.

Almost all of the Tranexamic acid used on the market are synthetic or produced by biofermentation.

1.Hemostatic function

By competing to occupy LBS of plasminogen, Tranexamic acid prevents its binding to lysine residues on fibrin, making it unable to anchor on the fibrin surface and unable to be activated as plasmin. This will prevent the fibrin clot from degradation of plasmin, maintain the stability of the blood clot, and achieve the effect of stopping bleeding.

It is often widely used in clinical surgery, such as cardiac surgery, which can reduce blood seepage after external circulation and reduce blood loss during surgery.

It can also control pathological bleeding. For example, during menstruation, if the blood volume is too high, you can take medicines containing tranexamic acid, 1g/day, and the menstrual volume can be reduced by about 50%.

2.Inhibit melanin production

Plasin in the skin activates melanocytes and promotes melanin production. Tranexamic acid blocks this pathway that stimulates melanin production by inhibiting plasmin. At the same time, it can reduce the adverse signal transmission of melanin production between skin cells.

Often added to cosmetics essences, lotions and facial masks, can improve uneven skin tone. Especially for skin with acne marks, you can use it to improve acne marks and precipitate the skin tone after trauma.

3.Anti-inflammatory

Citronic acid has certain anti-inflammatory effects, which may be associated with inhibiting plasmin activation of inflammatory pathways, thereby alleviating inflammatory responses and capillary dilation. This is useful in the treatment of certain inflammatory skin diseases (such as rosacea) and in alleviating postoperative inflammatory responses.

In cosmetics, it can inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and relieve red blood vessels, especially the thin skin stratum corneum, which is easily affected by external ultraviolet rays and weather, resulting in red blood vessels on the skin. Use freeze-dried powder/ampoule containing Tranexamic acid to relieve symptoms.

1. High-risk groups

Patients with a history of thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, long-term bedridden patients, and being used for estrogen, use of Tranexamic acid may break the equilibrium of coagulation, thereby forming a thrombosis, and the risk is extremely high. Please be used with caution.

2. Other serious adverse reactions

It can cause dizziness, headache, visual abnormalities, hypotension, gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, vomiting, etc.)

3. Risk of long-term use

Patients with renal insufficiency will aggravate renal damage

Long-term high doses may interfere with estrogen synthesis for women, which may cause menstrual disorders, reduce menstrual flow, and may be prematurely amenorrhea.

4. Special groups

Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children, and the elderly must follow the doctor's advice.

It is clear that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, it is a drug that is urgently needed, and the risks are controllable. Strict screening of contraindications can avoid most risks.

In cosmetics, it is necessary to insist on external use, which can reduce risks and external use is safer.

Each field has different application scenarios. Please pay attention to strictly control the dosage to allow the Tranexamic acid to play a greater effect and reduce risks.

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2Wu S, et al. Tranexamic acid inhibits melanogenesis by suppressing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression. J Dermatol Sci. 2020;98(2):108-115.

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5.Kanechorn-Na-Ayuthaya P, et al. 5% tranexamic acid topical solution for melasma. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(7):1691-1698.

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