Desmopressin is a widely used haemostatic drug. In contrast to vasopressin, it has no pressor activity. The effect is immediate, with two to six-fold increases in the plasma concentrations of coagulation factor VIII, von Willebrand factor and tissue plasminogen activator, and of platelet adhesiveness. Desmopressin is used in patients with mild haemophilia A, von Willebrand's disease, congenital platelet dysfunction or acquired platelet dysfunction due to uraemia or such drugs as aspirin. Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent effective against menorrhagia, epistaxis and bleeding after conization or oral surgery; its haemostatic effect in connection with major surgery is presently being evaluated.
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