Tranexaemic acid is a specific antidote of
Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent. It works by inhibiting plasmin, which is responsible for breaking down fibrin clots. So, if there's a drug that causes excessive fibrinolysis, tranexamic acid would be the antidote. The classic example is streptokinase or urokinase, which are fibrinolytic agents. So the question is asking which drug's overdose is treated with tranexamic acid.
The correct answer must be a fibrinolytic drug. Let me recall common ones. Streptokinase, urokinase, alteplase. If the options included one of these, then that's the answer. Since the correct answer is option C, I need to figure out which one it is. Maybe the options were A: Heparin, B: Warfarin, C: Streptokinase, D: Aspirin. That makes sense because heparin and warfarin are anticoagulants, not fibrinolytics. Aspirin is an antiplatelet. So the correct answer is streptokinase.
Now, the explanation. Core concept is that tranexamic acid is used to reverse the effects of fibrinolytic agents. Why correct answer is right: Streptokinase activates plasminogen to plasmin, leading to clot breakdown. Tranexamic acid inhibits plasmin, so it counteracts streptokinase.
Wrong options: Heparin and warfarin are anticoagulants, not fibrinolytics. Their reversal is different (protamine for heparin, vitamin K for warfarin). Aspirin is an antiplatelet, so no specific antidote.
Clinical pearl: Remember that antifibrinolytics like tranexamic acid are used for fibrinolytic drugs, not anticoagulants. High-yield for exams.
**Core Concept** Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent that reverses the effects of drugs causing excessive fibrinolysis. It works by competitively inhibiting plasminogen activation, preventing clot degradation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right** The correct answer is streptokinase. Streptokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme that activates plasminogen to plasmin, dissolving fibrin clots. Tranexamic acid binds to plasminogen, blocking its activation and counteracting streptokinase-induced fibrinolysis. This is critical in managing hemorrhage due to streptokinase overdose.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Heparin is an anticoagulant; its reversal requires protamine, not tranexamic acid.
**Option B:** Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist; its reversal uses vitamin K or prothrombin complex concentrates.
**Option D:** Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation but has no specific antidote requiring antifibrinolytics.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Y