The key difference between aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid is that aminocaproic acid is an aliphatic compound, whereas tranexamic acid is an aromatic compound.
Aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid are two types of drugs we use in medication for the treatment of certain bleeding disorders. These are organic compounds having different chemical structures, but similar functional groups; both compounds contain amine group and carboxylic group.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Aminocaproic Acid
3. What is Tranexamic Acid
4. Similarities Between Aminocaproic Acid and Tranexamic Acid
5. Side by Side Comparison – Aminocaproic Acid vs Tranexamic Acid in Tabular Form
6. Summary
What is Aminocaproic Acid?
Aminocaproic acid is a derivative of the amino acid lysine and is an effective inhibitor for enzymes that can bind with particular residues. This compound is an analogue of the amino acid lysine. The enzymes that it can inhibit include proteolytic enzymes such as plasmin. Therefore, we can use this compound as an effective treatment for certain bleeding disorders. The trade name of this compound is Amicar. Furthermore, this compound can be found as an intermediate in the polymerization of Nylon-6 polymer material. The polymer is formed by the ring-opening hydrolysis of caprolactam.
Figure 01: Chemical Structure of Aminocaproic Acid
The chemical formula of aminocaproic acid is C6H13NO2. It is an FDA approved drug for use in the treatment of acute bleeding due to elevated fibrinolytic activity. Moreover, this medication carries an orphan drug designation from the FDA.
What is Tranexamic Acid?
Tranexamic acid is a medication we can use to treat excessive blood loss from trauma. This drug is specific for the treatment of bleeding that is caused by major trauma, postpartum bleeding, surgery, tooth removal, nosebleeds, and heavy menstruation. It is also important to treat hereditary angioedema. We can take this drug either by mouth or as an injection into a vein.
Figure 02: Chemical Structure of Tranexamic Acid
The side effects of this drug are rare, but there can be some, including change in colour vision, blood clot formation, and allergic reactions. However, greater caution is required with people having kidney diseases. Moreover, this drug is relatively safe to be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
The chemical formula of tranexamic acid is C8H15NO2. It is an aromatic compound having a six-membered ring structure in between the amine group and carboxylic acid group.
What are the Similarities Between Aminocaproic Acid and Tranexamic Acid?
- Aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid are organic compounds.
- Both compounds contain amine groups and carboxylic groups.
- These are useful medication in treating bleeding disorders.
What is the Difference Between Aminocaproic Acid and Tranexamic Acid?
Aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid are two types of drugs we use in medication for the treatment of certain bleeding disorders. Aminocaproic acid is a derivative of the amino acid lysine and is an effective inhibitor for enzymes that can bind with particular residues, while tranexamic acid is a medication we can use to treat excessive blood loss from trauma. The key difference between aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid is that aminocaproic acid is an aliphatic compound whereas tranexamic acid is an aromatic compound. Moreover, aminocaproic acid is administered by mouth while tranexamic acid is administered by mouth or through injection into a vein.
Below is a summary of the difference between aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid in tabular form.
Summary – Aminocaproic Acid vs Tranexamic Acid
Aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid are two types of drugs we use in medication for the treatment of certain bleeding disorders. The key difference between aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid is that aminocaproic acid is an aliphatic compound, whereas tranexamic acid is an aromatic compound.