Antifibrinolytics are a class of medication that are inhibitors of fibrinolysis.[1] Examples include aminocaproic acid (ε-aminocaproic acid) and tranexamic acid. These lysine-like drugs interfere with the formation of the fibrinolytic enzyme plasmin from its precursor plasminogen by plasminogen activators (primarily t-PA and u-PA) which takes place mainly in lysine rich areas on the surface of fibrin.[citation needed]

Another example, aprotinin, is a naturally-occurring broad-spectrum protease inhibitor;[2] some countries refuse to approve this medication because it supposedly has a greater mortality rate than its alternatives (tranexamic acid and aminocaproic acid) and causes damage to the kidneys and heart. It is widely agreed that systemic aprotinin use should be minimized due to these concerns.[3]

References

  1. ^ "antifibrinolytic" at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
  2. ^ Levy, JH; Koster, A; Quinones, QJ; Milling, TJ; Key, NS (March 2018). "Antifibrinolytic Therapy and Perioperative Considerations". Anesthesiology. 128 (3): 657–670. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000001997. PMC 5811331. PMID 29200009.
  3. ^ "Aprotinin". European Medicines Agency. 17 September 2018. Retrieved 19 January 2023.

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