What it means
Shorthand for tranexamic acidtran-ek-SAM-ik AS-idA drug that reduces bleeding by stopping the body from breaking down blood clots.Full entry , an antifibrinolytic drug used to reduce bleeding in trauma, surgery and heavy postpartum or menstrual bleeding. ISMP lists TXA as error-prone because it has been mixed up with TPA (alteplase), a drug that does the opposite: it dissolves clots. Tranexamic acid injection is also on ISMP's high-alert list.
For the nurse
Write "tranexamic acid" in full. Check the drug, dose and route carefully: it is given IV, never into the spinal canal.
Easy to confuse with
TPA
An abbreviation for tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase), a clot-dissolving drug; ISMP advises writing the full drug name.
Related terms
alteplase
A clot-dissolving drug (thrombolytic) given IV; a man-made form of tissue plasminogen activator.
tranexamic acid
A drug that reduces bleeding by stopping the body from breaking down blood clots.
TPA
An abbreviation for tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase), a clot-dissolving drug; ISMP advises writing the full drug name.