Dicynone 500

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Dicynone 500

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Dicynone 500

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Etamsylate (Ethamsylate)
Form Oral solids (tablets, capsules) and parenteral solution
Pharmacological class Systemic Haemostatic Agent (Anti-haemorrhagic)
Common use Managing abnormal capillary bleeding
Origin Synthetic

What Pharmacological Class Does Dicynone 500 Belong To?

Dicynone 500 is a specialized preparation containing the active ingredient, Etamsylate, a synthetic hemostatic agent classified pharmacologically as an anti-haemorrhagic medicinal product. The medication is clinically recognized for its targeted support in controlling hemorrhage, particularly at the microvascular level. Its primary purpose is to manage and prevent abnormal blood loss, especially that associated with fragile capillary blood vessels. The compound, Etamsylate, acts specifically to stabilize the vascular endothelium and promote the function of platelets. Its action profile supports its use in controlling bleeding by acting directly on the vascular component and platelet function.

Etamsylate: Composition, Form, and Origin

The core substance in Dicynone 500 is the active ingredient, Etamsylate, which is a synthetic compound. The specific brand Dicynone highlights the 500 milligram strength of Etamsylate contained within its popular oral solid preparations, including both tablets and capsules intended for oral administration. For situations requiring immediate systemic action, Etamsylate is also supplied as an aqueous parenteral solution for intravenous or intramuscular injection, providing alternative routes of administration supported by established medical practice. Etamsylate acts on the blood vessels, reinforcing its classification as an agent used to control hemorrhage.

What is the General Purpose of This Anti-Haemorrhagic Agent?

The general purpose of the Etamsylate preparation is to reinforce the stability of the small blood vessel walls and support the initial step of the body's natural clotting process. The medication achieves this by exerting an angio-protective effect and enhancing the adhesiveness of platelets at sites of vascular damage. By focusing on increasing the resistance of capillary walls and reducing bleeding time, the drug helps the body effectively control blood loss originating from the microcirculation, such as in instances of heavy menstrual bleeding or other microvascular hemorrhages.

What side effects are possible with Dicynone 500?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Etamsylate (Dicynone 500) is officially documented by regulatory authorities, classifying possible adverse reactions by the frequency of their occurrence. This information is organized according to the specific body systems they may affect.

Most common adverse reactions are typically reversible following the discontinuation of treatment, a pattern noted in the official regulatory texts.


Official Adverse Reaction Frequencies

Adverse reactions are grouped into categories based on their observed frequency in clinical use, as defined by regulatory standards (e.g., Summary of Product Characteristics, SmPC):

Classification Examples of Documented Effects
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) Headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, and a general feeling of being unwell (asthenia).
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) Joint pain (arthralgia) and fever.

Serious and Rare Safety Concerns

Regulatory documents highlight the potential for Very Rare (may affect less than 1 in 10,000 people) but clinically serious adverse reactions. These concerns primarily involve the Blood and Lymphatic System and the Immune System, and include:

  • Severe blood count disorders, such as agranulocytosis, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.
  • Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic shock.

Safety-Related Restrictions

Official prescribing information establishes specific constraints for the use of Etamsylate. The medicine is contraindicated in individuals with known porphyria due to the risk of precipitating an acute attack. It is also contraindicated in cases of known hypersensitivity to the active substance or, in certain parenteral formulations, to sulfites. Furthermore, the product should not be co-administered with dextran solutions, a safety measure explicitly documented in regulatory texts.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Dicynone 500 Overdose and when to seek help

Overdose Scope

Element Official Regulatory Statement
Documented overdose presentations Specific, distinct clinical manifestations are not formally documented in some regulatory sources, which note a lack of experience with overdosage.
Physiological systems affected The labeling cites very rare serious adverse effects relevant to severe toxicity: coagulation disorders with blood clots, and severe reductions in white blood cells or platelets.
Emergency-response statements If a patient takes more of the medication than should be taken, they must talk to a doctor or go to the hospital straight away.

Overdose Classifications

Classification Element Regulatory Description
Severity classification Management is based on the mandate for immediate medical attention, with some documents stating no experience of specific overdosage outcomes.
Overdose-context constraints No specific antidote is known. Management is limited to the initiation of symptomatic treatment.

Resulting Overdose Structure

Official overdose statements:

  • Immediate medical attention is required for overconsumption; the instruction is to talk to a doctor or go to the hospital straight away.
  • In the event of overdosage, symptomatic treatment must be initiated, as no specific antidote is known.
  • No population-specific overdose notes are documented in the official labeling.

Connection to the overall overdose profile: The official overdose profile is defined by the regulatory mandate that urgent medical help must be sought following overconsumption, irrespective of the presence of immediate symptoms. This required action is a direct result of the lack of a documented specific overdose syndrome and the potential for rare but serious hematological events. Treatment is constrained by the knowledge that no specific antidote is available, focusing instead on supportive and symptomatic care.

Therapeutic Uses of Dicynone 500

The core function of this medication, containing Etamsylate, is to provide supportive symptomatic management in conditions characterized by excessive bleeding from the microcirculation. The application of this agent is focused on helping to manage or moderate bleeding from small blood vessels, particularly in gynecological and surgical settings. The therapeutic scope is focused on situations involving symptomatic discomfort and noticeable physiological strain due to blood loss.


Key Therapeutic Domains

This medication is generally relevant for easing symptoms across several domains, including conditions involving heavy or prolonged menstrual blood loss (menorrhagia), capillary bleeding during or following surgical procedures, and recurrent episodes of bleeding related to symptoms associated with episodic or fluctuating manifestations, such as epistaxis (nosebleeds). As an agent that provides supportive symptomatic relief, the medication contributes to easing the overall symptom load for patients, which helps improve day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods.

Quick Fact: Relief for Microvascular Bleeding

Context Symptom Management Benefit
Gynecological Use Helps moderate excessive blood flow during symptomatic periods.
Surgical Support Supports the use for managing symptoms that arise at the site of trauma.
Vascular Support Assists with maintaining functional stability during episodic manifestations.

Regulatory References

  1. European Medicines Agency (EMA) therapeutic overview

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Population Eligibility for Dicynone 500 (Etamsylate)

The eligibility for using Dicynone 500 is strictly defined by regulatory documents, categorizing patients into populations permitted, restricted, or prohibited from use.

Absolute Contraindications (Must Not Use)

Condition/Population Regulatory Status
Acute Porphyria Contraindicated
Hypersensitivity to Etamsylate or Sulphites Contraindicated

Dicynone 500 is strictly prohibited for patients with Acute Porphyria or a documented allergy to etamsylate or any excipients, including sulphites, which may be relevant for those with bronchial asthma.

Age- and Life-Stage Restrictions

The oral capsule/tablet form is generally reserved for adults and adolescents and is deemed unsuitable for treating children. While the injection form has specific regulatory approval for use in neonates, the oral product lacks established data for broad pediatric application. For older adults, caution is advised.

During pregnancy, use is not recommended, particularly in the first trimester. Similarly, the medicine is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding, and treatment should be stopped if lactation continues. Women with uterine fibroids should also not use this medicine.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory information for Etamsylate (Dicynone 500) focuses on specific constraints related to administration and analytical testing, rather than common drug–drug interaction profiles.


Procedural and Chemical Constraints

Constraint Type Official Regulatory Statement
Analytical Interference Etamsylate can cause analytical interference with certain laboratory procedures, such as enzymatic creatinine assays.
Timing Requirement Blood samples intended for laboratory testing must be collected before the first daily administration of the medicine to minimize the potential for analytical interaction.
Parenteral Incompatibility The intravenous formulation of Etamsylate is incompatible with solutions of sodium bicarbonate and compound sodium lactate.
Co-administration Restriction When the intravenous formulation is diluted with saline solution, the mixture must be used immediately.

Drug–Drug and Metabolic Interactions

Official regulatory documentation does not explicitly describe significant interactions with common drug categories based on metabolic pathways. No specific drug–drug interactions involving cytochrome P450 enzymes or drug transporters have been identified in the regulatory labeling. Furthermore, the labeling does not list any formal contraindicated combinations with other medicinal products, nor does it detail any specific interactions with food, alcohol, or herbal products.

Mechanism of Action

How Dicynone 500 Works

Dicynone 500 (Etamsylate) is a synthetic pharmacologic agent that acts by modulating key components of the initial hemostasis cascade, primarily focusing on microvascular integrity and platelet function. Its mechanism is exerted through two distinct but complementary domains.


Capillary Wall Integrity Enhancement

The drug influences the endothelial lining of microvessels. Etamsylate engages mechanisms that lead to an increase in capillary resistance and a subsequent decrease in microvascular permeability, potentially mediated by promoting the polymerization of hyaluronic acid within the intercellular matrix. This activity contributes to the physical stabilization of the capillary wall structure, resulting in a more regulated state within the targeted vasculature.


Platelet Adhesion and Plug Formation

The second domain involves modulating the platelet-endothelium signaling and interaction. Dicynone 500 modifies platelet adhesion to sites of vascular damage, thereby facilitating the formation of a stable platelet plug. It also influences early molecular steps by affecting the local biosynthesis and release of specific prostaglandins (specifically inhibiting those associated with platelet disaggregation), which collectively results in altered platelet aggregation dynamics and microhemostasis parameters.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Guidelines

Etamsylate (Dicynone 500) is available for both oral administration as 500 mg tablets or capsules and parenteral administration as an injectable solution. The parenteral form, typically 250 mg ampoules, can be used via intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) injection. The injectable solution is also used for local/topical use by applying it to the site of hemorrhage.

Standard Dosing Regimens

For general oral use, adult dosing is generally 1000–1500 mg daily, administered in divided doses. When used for menorrhagia, the dosage is typically 1500 mg per day, taken cyclically for 10 days. For presurgical support, 250–500 mg is given parenterally 1 hour before the procedure. Postsurgically, this dose is repeated every 4–6 hours as long as the risk of bleeding persists.

Contextual and Age-Specific Rules

Oral doses are taken with meals. Specific procedural conditions indicate that the injection solution is incompatible with sodium bicarbonate and compound sodium lactate solutions. The 500 mg oral strength is considered inappropriate for young children due to its high Etamsylate content. Conversely, neonates utilize a specific weight-based dose of 12.5 mg/kg given i.v. or i.m.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Dicynone 500: Recent Clinical Evidence

This section provides an overview of the clinical evaluation for Etamsylate, specifically focusing on the types of studies—such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews—that regulators rely on. The findings describe group patterns observed in the studies, which research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly.


Evidence for use in Heavy or Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)

Research has studied Etamsylate for use in women with conditions characterized by fluctuating manifestations. Studies included RCTs and systematic reviews, focusing on outcomes related to symptom intensity, primarily measuring objective blood loss and collecting patient-reported outcomes. The findings describe patterns observed where measurements of blood loss volume were recorded compared to control groups. However, the evidence base features variability in findings, and overall evidence quality varies across studies due to modest sample sizes.


Evidence for use in Capillary Bleeding During and After Surgery

The medicine was studied for use in procedures involving outcomes related to systemic imbalance, specifically where capillary bleeding was a concern. Research examined various surgical populations, focusing on the total volume of blood loss and changes in bleeding time. Reports describe the measurements recorded during the short period immediately surrounding the surgery. A key limitation is that the evidence is limited by a paucity of recent, high-quality RCTs and follow-up durations were limited to the immediate post-operative period.


Limitations and Research Gaps

The research base includes limitations acknowledged by regulators. Long-term effects are not fully established across indications, and data for long-term outcomes remain insufficient. A notable contradiction was observed in preterm infant research: a lower incidence of severe hemorrhage was not associated with a measured difference in critical long-term outcomes, such as neurodevelopmental status at two years of age.

Key Studies & References

  1. Treating menorrhagia in primary care: an overview of drug trials and a survey of prescribing practice (DARE Review)
  2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for heavy menstrual bleeding (Cochrane Review) - includes comparison with ethamsylate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Dicynone 500 (FAQ)

Q: How quickly is Dicynone 500 expected to start working?

Official pharmacokinetic studies examine how the drug is handled by the body. According to this data, after taking the 500 mg tablet by mouth, the drug reaches its peak concentration in the blood within approximately 3 to 4 hours. This measure of peak concentration helps describe the absorption profile of the medicine.

Q: What is the difference between Dicynone 500 and other medicines used for bleeding?

Dicynone is classified as a haemostatic agent, meaning it supports the body’s natural process for stopping blood loss. Its mechanism is focused on improving the resistance of capillary walls and promoting platelet adhesion at the site of damage. This action distinguishes it from other groups of medicines used for bleeding, such as anti-fibrinolytic agents.

Q: Is it common to feel dizzy or lightheaded after taking Dicynone 500?

Dizziness is documented in some official patient information as a possible side effect of Dicynone 500. Headache is also a documented common effect. The frequency with which individuals may experience these effects is defined within the official regulatory safety profile. Patients are generally advised to inform a healthcare professional if they experience any side effects.

Q: Can patients with kidney issues use Dicynone 500?

Official documents describe that caution is advised for individuals with existing kidney problems. Dosage requirements in this population are determined by a healthcare provider, and are based on clinical evaluation and blood tests.

Q: What happens if I forget to take a dose of Dicynone 500?

Official patient information provides general guidance for missed doses. Regulatory patient information describes that a missed dose may be taken if there is a significant amount of time before the next scheduled dose. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled intake, the missed dose is usually skipped, and the regular schedule is continued, without taking a double dose.

Q: Is Dicynone 500 known to affect blood pressure?

Yes, changes in blood pressure are listed in official patient information as a possible adverse effect. This change is generally noted within the list of documented side effects that are categorized by their frequency of occurrence.

Q: Does Dicynone 500 thin the blood or is it a blood thinner?

Dicynone 500, which contains Etamsylate, is classified as a haemostatic agent, not an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Haemostatic agents work to reduce bleeding by promoting microvascular integrity and platelet function. Regulatory data indicates that it does not affect the normal blood coagulation mechanism.

Q: Can Dicynone 500 be taken with contraceptive pills?

While Dicynone is not generally associated with many metabolic drug-drug interactions, official product information notes that the use of oral contraceptives should be reviewed with a healthcare provider. This is standard practice to allow the provider to consider all concurrent medications before starting treatment with Dicynone.

Q: Can Dicynone 500 affect the liver?

Official regulatory documents specifically address liver function in relation to use. The product information indicates that no dose reduction is typically necessary for patients who have liver problems, distinguishing it from drugs that require dose adjustment for hepatic impairment.

Q: Does taking Dicynone 500 mean I cannot drive or operate machinery?

Official patient information specifically addresses this concern. According to the regulatory labeling, Dicynone 500 has no known effect on an individual’s ability to drive vehicles or safely operate heavy machinery.

Q: Why do official documents mention that Dicynone 500 is not an anti-fibrinolytic?

This clarification is used to distinguish the mechanism of Dicynone from other anti-bleeding medicines. Dicynone is classified as a haemostatic agent, meaning it acts on blood vessels and platelets. Its action is distinct from that of an anti-fibrinolytic, which works by inhibiting the breakdown of fibrin, a key component of a blood clot.

Q: What is the half-life of Dicynone 500 in the body?

The half-life is a measure that describes the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. For Dicynone, official studies indicate that the half-life is approximately 1.8 to 2.5 hours following administration of the injectable form.

Q: If I have a history of blood clots, can I still use Dicynone 500?

Official safety information describes the need for professional review regarding conditions that increase the risk of blood clots. Regulatory contraindications state that the medicine should not be used by individuals who have a history of blood clot formation or who are considered to be at risk for such conditions.

Q: Is Dicynone 500 used to treat bleeding from dental procedures?

Yes, official documentation for Dicynone includes the use of the medicine to help reduce excessive bleeding that may occur after dental procedures. This aligns with its broader use in managing capillary bleeding.

Q: Is Dicynone 500 a steroid or hormone?

No, Dicynone 500 (Etamsylate) is a synthetic compound and is classified pharmacologically as a haemostatic agent. It is neither a steroid nor a hormone, and it does not mimic the action of hormones.

Q: Can I take Dicynone 500 if I am already taking an anticoagulant medicine?

Official drug interaction warnings advise that Dicynone may interact with other medicines used to thin the blood (anticoagulants). All concurrent medications, including blood-thinning agents, are typically reviewed by a healthcare provider before the initiation of treatment.

Q: Does Dicynone 500 have any known sedative effects?

Official patient information notes that this medicine may cause drowsiness in some individuals. If drowsiness occurs, regulatory guidance notes that caution should be exercised with activities that require mental alertness.

Q: Is Dicynone 500 considered a prescription-only medicine?

In general, Etamsylate (Dicynone) is regulated and supplied as a prescription-only medicine (POM). Access to the drug is typically managed by a physician or authorized healthcare provider.

How should Dicynone 500 be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements for Dicynone 500

Dicynone 500 (etamsylate) must be stored strictly according to regulatory labeling to maintain its efficacy and stability.

Storage Conditions

Requirement Official Instruction
Temperature Store at a temperature below 30 C or 25 C (depending on region).
Prohibitions Do not refrigerate or freeze. Do not use after the expiration date (EXP).
Protection Store in the original package to protect from light and moisture.
Child Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

️ Disposal Instructions

Expired or unused Dicynone 500 must be discarded following local regulations for pharmaceutical waste. The product should not be disposed of in wastewater (flushed down drains). Individuals should consult a pharmacist for specific guidance on discarding unwanted medicines.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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