RecruitingPHASE1, PHASE2INTERVENTIONAL

Treatment of Nosebleeds in the Emergency Department With Powder Tranexamic Acid

Nosebleeds are very common, and sometimes they can be serious. Right now, doctors often stop severe nosebleeds by either cauterising (gently burning) the inside of the nose or by packing it with material. Nasal packing can be painful, uncomfortable when inserted and removed, and in rare cases, can lead to serious problems. This study is investigating a new treatment for nosebleeds: a powder form of a medicine called tranexamic acid, sprayed directly into the nose. Tranexamic acid is already used for nosebleeds in pill form or given via a drip. Researchers want to find out if this powder spray can be a safe and effective alternative to current methods, potentially making nosebleed treatment less uncomfortable for patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

PHASE1, PHASE2

Sponsor

Dr. Anne Conlin

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2025

Epistaxis Nosebleed

What is this study about?

Imagine you get a nosebleed that's hard to stop. In an emergency, doctors often have two main ways to help: they might 'cauterise' the inside of your nose, which means using heat or chemicals to seal the bleeding blood vessels. Or, they might pack your nose with special material to put pressure on the bleeding area. While these methods often work, nasal packing, in particular, can be quite uncomfortable, both when it's put in and when it's taken out. In very rare situations, it can even cause more serious problems.

This study is looking into a different approach. Researchers want to see if a medication called tranexamic acid, in a powder form that can be sprayed directly into the nose, could be a good alternative. Tranexamic acid is already a widely used medicine to help stop bleeding, often taken as a pill or given into a vein for various conditions, including nosebleeds.

The main goal of this research is to find a treatment for nosebleeds that is effective but also more comfortable and less risky than some of the methods currently used. By studying this powder spray, doctors hope to offer patients a gentler way to treat nosebleeds in the future.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a new way to treat nosebleeds: a powder spray of tranexamic acid.
It aims to find a gentler and potentially more comfortable alternative to current nosebleed treatments.
You must be an adult with an active nosebleed arriving at the emergency department to be considered.
Individuals with certain medical conditions, like bleeding disorders or a history of blood clots, cannot participate.
The study explores a different way to use an existing anti-bleeding medication.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older, and be able to understand the study and agree to take part. You must be experiencing an active nosebleed that has brought you to the emergency department, and the doctors need to be able to see where the bleeding is coming from in the front part of your nose.

There are several reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've had nose surgery recently (within the last month) or if you've needed other medical treatment for a nosebleed in the last month, you likely won't be eligible. Also, if you have certain medical conditions like bleeding disorders (for example, haemophilia), a history of blood clots, or certain brain conditions (like seizures or a history of stroke), you won't be able to participate. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have known allergies to the study medication, you also can't join. The doctors will carefully check all these points to make sure the study is safe for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently in the emergency department because of an active nosebleed?
Have you had any nose surgery in the last month?
Do you have a known bleeding disorder (like haemophilia) or a history of blood clots?
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you allergic to tranexamic acid?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the doctors will first make sure you understand everything and answer all your questions. Then, after confirming you meet the study requirements, you would receive the tranexamic acid powder spray directly into your nose to treat your nosebleed. The research team would then monitor you to see how the treatment works and to check for any side effects. There might be some follow-up checks, but the details of exact visits and total duration aren't provided here, so it would be important to ask the study team about the full schedule.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of potentially stopping your nosebleed with a treatment that could be more comfortable than current methods. However, as with any medical treatment, there are potential risks, though these are not fully detailed here for this early phase of testing. It's possible you could experience side effects from the medication. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Peterborough Regional Health Centre
Verified postcode
Peterborough, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is tranexamic acid?

Tranexamic acid is a medication that helps your blood to clot, which can stop bleeding.

What are the common ways doctors stop nosebleeds now?

Typically, doctors might cauterise (gently burn) inside the nose or pack the nose with special material to put pressure on the bleeding area.

Is the powder spray different from other tranexamic acid treatments?

Yes, tranexamic acid is currently used in pills or given into a vein for nosebleeds, but this study is testing it as a powder sprayed directly into the nose.

Will I get the powder spray or the usual treatment?

Because this is a study, you would receive the powder spray treatment being tested, rather than the standard treatment. The study aims to see if it works as well or better.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any point without it affecting your usual medical care.

How to find out more

Anne Conlin, HBA&Sc, MD, FRCSC

aconlin@prhc.on.ca 705-743-2121 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.