What medication is used as an antifibrinolytic in postpartum hemorrhage?

• A. Tranexamic acid.
• B. Vitamin K.
• C. Calcium gluconate.
• D. Amoxicillin.

Answer: (A)

Antifibrinolytics work by preventing clot breakdown, which is crucial when heavy bleeding occurs after delivery. Tranexamic acid is a synthetic lysine analog that binds to plasminogen and blocks its activation to plasmin, slowing fibrinolysis and helping stabilize clots. In postpartum hemorrhage, giving tranexamic acid promptly reduces blood loss and mortality, with strong evidence supporting its benefit when administered early, ideally within the first few hours after birth. A common approach is 1 gram given intravenously over about 10 minutes, with a possible second 1 gram dose if bleeding continues within 24 hours. Vitamin K helps with coagulation factor production but isn’t an antifibrinolytic. Calcium gluconate corrects calcium-related issues and doesn’t stop fibrinolysis. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic and does not affect clot breakdown.