An antihemorrhagic (antihaemorrhagic) agent is a substance that promotes hemostasis (stops bleeding). It may also be known as a hemostatic (also spelled haemostatic) agent.

Styptics (also spelled stiptics) are a specific type of antihemorrhagic agent that work by contracting tissue to seal injured blood vessels. Styptic pencils contain astringents.

Antihemorrhagic agents used in medicine have various mechanisms of action:

• Systemic drugs work by inhibiting fibrinolysis or promoting coagulation.
• Locally-acting hemostatic agents work by causing vasoconstriction or promoting platelet aggregation.

Systemic

There are several classes of antihemorrhagic drugs used in medicine. These include antifibrinolytics, vitamin K, fibrinogen, and blood coagulation factors.

Local

Topical hemostatic agents have been gaining popularity for use in emergency bleeding control, especially in military medicine. They are available in two forms - as a granular powder poured on wounds, or embedded in a dressing.

Organic