An antihemorrhagic (antihæmorrhagic) agent is a substance that promotes hemostasis (stops bleeding). It may also be known as a hemostatic (also spelled hæmostatic) agent. A styptic (also spelled stiptic) is a specific type of antihemorrhagic agent that works by contracting tissue to seal injured blood vessels. Styptic pencils contain astringents. Antihemorrhagic agents used in medicine have various mechanisms of action: \n* Systemic drugs work by inhibiting fibrinolysis or promoting coagulation. \n* Locally-acting hemostatic agents work by causing vasoconstriction or promoting platelet aggregation.