Trasylol (aprotinin) is a medication used to prevent blood loss during heart surgery. According to Drugs.com, Trasylol belongs to the category of medicines called protease inhibitors, and it decreases the chances of your body developing an inflammatory reaction. Typically, you will receive a constant infusion of 50mL/hour through a central line (a method in which medications are administered through one of your major blood vessels). Your doctor may adjust your dosage of Trasylol depending upon the strength of the medication.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Trasylol can routinely cause diarrhea, constipation, vomiting and drowsiness. It can cause trouble urinating, an infection and even lightheadedness. Diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids if you begin to experience these episodes. In a study of 2,002 patients receiving Trasylol, the National Library of Medicine reports that 15 percent had a fever, 11 percent developed nausea, 4 percent had constipation and 3 percent experienced vomiting and diarrhea. Contact your physician if any of the remaining symptoms persist for three to four days.
Serious Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Trasylol can cause difficulty speaking, intense stomach pain, trigger asthma attacks and cause confusion. Trasylol can also cause tachycardia (a fast heartbeat). When your heart beats irregularly and erratically, your heart is not supply adequate amounts of blood to your body. Trasylol can also cause a severe headache, rapid weight gain, infrequent urination, chest tightness, hives (skin welts), hemiparalysis (paralysis on one side of your body), and edema (swelling) of your feet, arms, legs, face or tongue. A severe headache can be a sign of a stroke and infrequent urination may lead to to acute kidney failure. According to the National Library of Medicine, Trasylol can cause anaphylactic reactions (sudden difficulty breathing, hives, swelling) that may cause death. Go to the emergency room if Trasylol causes any of these serious side effects, as they are all potentially life-threatening.
Heart Problems
According to the National Library of Medicine, Trasylol can cause a variety of heart arrythmias (irregular heart beats). It may cause atrial fibrillation (condition in which the top portion of your heart beats erratically) and ventricular tachycardia (condition in which the bottom portion of your heart beats fast and irregularly). It may also cause heart failure, a condition in which your heart does not pump enough blood to your body. Trasylol may also cause pericarditis, an inflammation of your heart's outer fibrous layer. In some cases, Trasylol can even cause a myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Respiratory Problems
The National Library of Medicine says that Trasylol can compromise your breathing and cause atelectasis (lung collapse), pneumothorax (a condition in which air surrounds your lungs) and pleural effusion (collection of fluid buildup between your lung cavity and lungs). It can also trigger asthma and certain lung disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
Other Concerns
Avoid taking Trasylol if you are allergic to aprotinin. It may lead to serious effects such as trouble breathing, hives and facial or tongue (edema). These are all symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction, in which your body mounts a huge histamine (inflammatory substance in your body) attack on your body.
Drugs.com says you should avoid taking Trasylol with aminoglycosides, such as gentamycin, or angiotensin-converting enzymes, such as captopril. Trasylol can combine with the other medications and cause the aforementioned side effects.
Tell your physician whether you suffer from kidney problems or had previous heart surgery. Trasylol may be less effective.
Inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Trasylol may affect your baby.
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