Epistat Tablet 10

Epistat Tablet contains tranexamic acid, an anti-fibrinolytic medication. It is indicated for the management of excessive bleeding associated with various medical conditions and procedures. This includes heavy menstrual bleeding, surgical procedures, epistaxis (nosebleeds), and internal bleeding.

The active ingredient functions by preventing the breakdown of blood clots, thereby promoting hemostasis. Administration should follow a physician's instructions regarding dosage and duration. To mitigate potential gastrointestinal upset, the tablet should be taken with food.

Adherence to the prescribed dose is crucial, and it should not be exceeded. Common adverse effects may include nausea and vomiting, which typically resolve over time. If these symptoms persist or worsen, medical consultation is advised.

Dosage

Overdose

• If you accidentally end up taking a dose higher than that prescribed, you may experience symptoms like feeling sick, nausea and vomiting or be dizzy or light-headed upon standing.
• If you experience any of the symptoms or think you have taken too much of Epistat Tablet, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

• Missing a dose of Epistat Tablet may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
• If you missed any dose of medicine take it as soon as you remember.
• If it's time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule.
• Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Blood clotting is a complex process and involves various enzymes in different steps. Tranexamic acid is a structural analogue of an amino acid lysine which important for blood clotting process. Tranexamic acid helps in arresting bleeding by binding to certain receptors where lysine binds, inhibiting the enzymes that break down the blood clots. Hence, it helps to stop excessive bleeding.

Directions for Use

Take Epistat Tablet as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with a sufficient amount of water; do not crush or chew it. Administer this medication regularly, ideally at the same time each day. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. If bleeding does not cease, consult your doctor for further evaluation.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Epistat during pregnancy?

• There is limited information about the effects of Epistat in human pregnancy
• It is known to cross the placenta and is found in the cord blood at concentrations equal to that in maternal blood
• It should be used when prescribed considering that the benefit of taking this medicine outweighs the risk
• It is better to consult your doctor before taking this medicine in pregnancy

Breast Feeding

Can I take Epistat while breastfeeding?

• Epistat passes into human milk in a small amount
• If a breastfeeding mother requires tranexamic acid, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. However, close monitoring and medical supervision of the breastfed infant is recommended until more data regarding safety becomes available
• It is advisable to consult a doctor before initiating the medicine during breastfeeding

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Epistat?

Epistat does not directly affect alertness levels. Hence, driving is not contraindicated if taking this medicine. However, one should watch out for signs of blurring of vision or loss of colour vision which may appear as a side effect of this medication. Hence, regular eye check-ups in patients taking long term treatment with tranexamic acid are recommended.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Epistat?

There is no data regarding interactions between Epistat and alcohol. However, this does not rule out the possibility of interaction and it is better to avoid alcohol consumption.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You are suffering from kidney disease
• You are passing blood in urine, Epistat should be used with care and only if prescribed by your doctor as there are chances of obstruction to the passage of urine due to obstruction by blood clots
• You have a history of blood clots in blood vessels or with a family history of the same, use Epistat only if it is prescribed to you by a doctor and insist on close monitoring of your health
• You are suffering from excessive menstrual bleeding or irregular periods
• You are taking oral contraceptive pills, as you should consult your doctor before consuming oral contraceptive pills and Epistat together as there are increased chances of blood clot formation in your blood vessels
• You experience visual disturbances, you should stop the medications and consult your doctor immediately
• You may require regular eye checks to be done if you are consuming Epistat for a long time on doctor's prescription

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to tranexamic acid or any other ingredients of Epistat Tablet.
• If you have kidney disease, as it may lead to a reduction in the elimination of the active medicine from the body leading to its accumulation which can lead to toxic effects hence not to be used in severe kidney disease, in mild to moderate kidney disease the medicine can be used with proper suggestions that have been recommended by the doctor.
• If you are currently having an episode or a history of different diseases arising because of clot formation in the body called as thromboembolic diseases. Eg. Heart attack or paralysis due to clot in blood vessels in the brain, blood clots in vessels of the lower limbs etc.
• If you have a history of convulsions or fits.
• If you have blood disorders known to increase blood clotting tendency.

Side effects

• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Nausea

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• The effect of Epistat will be reduced if taken along with blood thinners (like warfarin, heparin) which are medicines that inhibit clot formations
• An additive effect may be seen if the patient is taking medications that increase blood clot formation (like aprotinin)
• Oral contraceptive pills, when taken with Pause, may promote blood clot formation which can be harmful, leading to blockage of blood vessels by abnormal clot formation. Inform your doctor if you are taking birth control pills

Storage and disposal

• Store Epistat Tablets below 25°C in a clean and dry place, protected from moisture, sunlight and heat.
• Keep this medicine away from children and pets.
• You should not flush this medicine in the toilet or pour them into the drain. You need to properly discard this medicine when it is expired or no longer needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I take Epistat with or without food?

Take Epistat Tablet as recommended by your gynaecologist. Make sure you maintain a fixed time for taking the medicine daily.

Can I take Epistat for long term?

No, it is usually prescribed for a short duration. Take it for as long as the doctor has told you to take it. Do not exceed the prescribed duration.

Is there any side effect of Epistat?

Diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea are a few common side effects of this medicine. However, these symptoms resolve with time. Inform your doctor if they persist for long.

How many Tablets of Epistat can I take?

You should take Epistat in the exact dose and frequency prescribed by the doctor. The dose and frequency of this medicine vary among individuals depending on the condition it is being taken for. You should not consume more than the recommended daily dose by the doctor.

Can I use Epistat stop period?

No, Epistat is not intended to stop the period. It is used to treat and reduce excessive bleeding in menses (during periods).