Aminocaproic Acid
Epsilon-aminocaproic acid
Also known as: Amicar · Capracid · Capramol · Caproamin · Caprolisin · Epsicaprom · Hemocaprol · Hemocid · Hexalense · Ipsilon · acidum aminocaproicum · CL-10304 CY-116 · EACA · epsilon aminocaproic acid · JD-177 · NSC-26154
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjunctive treatment of degenerative myelopathy (seen primarily in German shepherds) | 500 mg/dog | PO | q8h | indefinitely | 🌎 NA |
| Antifibrinolytic | 50-100 mg/kg | IV or PO | q6h | — | 🌎 NA |
- Adjunctive treatment of degenerative myelopathy (seen primarily in German shepherds): 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, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. Note: No treatment has been shown to be effective in published trials.
- Antifibrinolytic: No published doses for dogs, but has been used anecdotally.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Aminocaproic acid (EACA) is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine. It acts as a fibrinolysis inhibitor and antiprotease.
- Historical Veterinary Use: It has been used as an adjunctive treatment for degenerative myelopathy (DM) in dogs (especially German Shepherds), though modern evidence strongly questions its efficacy for this condition. Studies have shown no neurological improvement, and its use for DM is largely considered investigational and unrewarding.
- Primary Clinical Use: Its primary, evidence-based use is in the management of hyperfibrinolysis-induced hemorrhage. It is increasingly used in veterinary medicine to prevent or treat severe bleeding disorders, trauma, or surgical bleeding (e.g., in Greyhounds, which are highly predisposed to delayed postoperative hemorrhage).
- Thrombocytopenia: There is ongoing interest in evaluating its use as an adjunctive treatment for severe thrombocytopenia in dogs to prevent fatal bleeding, though safety and efficacy are still being investigated.
Mechanism of action
Aminocaproic acid is a lysine analog that competitively binds to the lysine-binding sites on plasminogen.
- Plasminogen → (blocked by EACA) → Cannot bind to fibrin.
- This prevents the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin by plasminogen activators.
- At higher concentrations, it directly inhibits plasmin (antiplasmin activity), thereby preventing the breakdown of fibrin clots (fibrinolysis).
- In Degenerative Myelopathy: It was theorized to exert antiprotease activity, reducing the activation of inflammatory enzymes that damage myelin, though clinical efficacy is lacking.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Active intravascular clotting (e.g., Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation - DIC)
Adverse effects
- GI irritation (vomiting, diarrhea) in ~1% of dogs
- Hyperkalemia (particularly in renal impaired patients)
Precautions
WARNING: Aminocaproic acid is absolutely contraindicated in patients with active Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) or active intravascular clotting, as it can lead to fatal thrombosis.
- Use only when benefits outweigh risks in patients with preexisting cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease.
- May cause hyperkalemia, particularly in patients with renal impairment.
- Pregnancy: FDA Category C. Some animal studies have demonstrated teratogenicity; use only when the risk-to-benefit ratio merits.
Drug interactions
Hypercoagulation states may occur in patients receiving aminocaproic acid and estrogens concurrently.
Monitoring
- Serum potassium (especially in patients with preexisting renal failure)
- Signs of bleeding or thrombosis
- Neurological status (if used for degenerative myelopathy)
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
In humans, rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration.
Distribution
Well distributed in both intravascular and extravascular compartments and penetrates cells (including red blood cells). It does not bind to plasma proteins. Unknown if it enters maternal milk.
Metabolism
Minimal hepatic metabolism.
Elimination
Primarily renally excreted as unchanged drug.
Overdose
Toxicity: The intravenous lethal dose in dogs is reportedly 2.3 g/kg.
- Clinical Signs: At lower IV overdosages, tonic-clonic seizures were noted in some dogs.
- Treatment: There is no known specific antidote, but the drug is dialyzable. Treatment should consist of supportive care and seizure management (e.g., diazepam, midazolam) if necessary.
Available products
Formulations
- Oral tablets
- Oral solution
- Injection
Human-labeled
- Aminocaproic Acid Oral Tablets: 500 mg & 1000 mg (Amicar®, generic)
- Aminocaproic Oral Solution: 250 mg/mL (Amicar®, generic)
- Aminocaproic Acid Injection: 250 mg/mL in 20 mL vials (generic)
Regulatory status
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇪🇺 EU · 🇬🇧 UK · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Products should be stored at room temperature. Avoid freezing liquid preparations. Discoloration will occur if aldehydes or aldehydic sugars are present. When given as an IV infusion, normal saline, D5W, and Ringer's Injection are recommended diluents.
Client information
- Purpose: Prescribed to prevent excessive bleeding or, historically, for a spinal cord disease called degenerative myelopathy.
- Cost: Treatment can be very expensive, especially for large breed dogs like German Shepherds.
- Expectations: If used for degenerative myelopathy, understand that this is considered investigational and recent studies show little to no benefit. Neurological signs may continue to worsen.
- Side Effects: Occasionally causes mild stomach upset (vomiting, diarrhea). Contact your veterinarian if these occur or if you notice any unusual signs.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.