What is aprotinin injection?

APROTININ (Trasylol) affects the way in which blood clots. It is given to patients while they are having open heart surgery. Aprotinin is mainly used during repeat coronary artery bypass surgery to reduce the amount of bleeding both during and after surgery. The use of clotting medication such as Trasylol helps reduce the amount of blood transfusion required.

Trasylol Information

Generic Name: Aprotinin
Brand Name: Trasylol

What is Trasylol used for?

During open heart surgery, Trasylol works by reducing blood loss and the need for blood transfusion in patients who have an increased risk of excessive bleeding during their operation.

How does Trasylol work?

Trasylol injection contains the active ingredient aprotinin. (Aprotinin is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)

Aprotinin is a type of medicine called an antifibrinolytic. It works by stopping a substance in the blood referred to as plasmin and prevents bleeding.

Plasmin is an enzyme that is produced in the blood to break down fibrin, which is the essential element of blood clots. Aprotinin inactivates plasmin and prevents it from breaking down blood clots. This helps to prevent excessive bleeding.

Trasylol is used to prevent extreme, life-threatening blood loss and the need for a blood transfusion in patients who are at risk of increased bleeding during open heart surgery.