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ALTEPLASE
This page contains brief details about the drug alteplase, it’s indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.
Background and Date of Approval
Alteplase, under the brand name Activase, received FDA approval on November 10, 1987, for treating acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Mechanism of Action of Alteplase
Alteplase facilitates the conversion of the plasminogen enzyme into plasmin, aiding in the breakdown of fibrin within blood clots. This process contributes to the restoration of blood flow. Therefore, Alteplase is employed in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, effectively dissolving clots and minimizing associated damage.
Uses of Alteplase
Alteplase is administered to dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow in various conditions, including acute ischemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), and pulmonary embolism.
Alteplase Drug administaration and Dosage available
Alteplase is delivered intravenously (injection into a vein) under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Your medical provider will determine the appropriate dosage and provide administration guidelines tailored to your specific condition and requirements.
Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of Alteplase
Warnings
Before using Alteplase, it’s crucial to be aware of several warnings. Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, may require immediate medical attention if symptoms such as difficulty breathing or facial swelling occur. This medication substantially elevates the risk of bleeding, and serious bleeding events can manifest at various body sites, including the brain, gastrointestinal tract, and other critical locations. This heightened risk can lead to bleeding in the brain, resulting in a severe and potentially life-threatening complication known as intracranial hemorrhage.
Precautions
Using alteplase is to be avoided in patients with active bleeding or a recent history of significant bleeding events. This medication is contraindicated in patients with a history of intracranial hemorrhage or known structural cerebral vascular lesions due to the associated risk. Close monitoring of blood pressure is crucial throughout the treatment process.
Side Effects
Alteplase may induce various side effects, with the most significant being an elevated risk of bleeding, potentially resulting in serious and life-threatening complications. Other common side effects encompass fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and bleeding at the injection site. Additionally, serious allergic reactions and hypersensitivity may manifest in certain individuals.
Word Of Advice
Always seek advice from a healthcare professional before initiating or modifying your medication regimen, especially with Alteplase. Inform your doctor of any history of bleeding disorders, recent surgeries or trauma, gastrointestinal bleeding, or other conditions that may heighten the risk of bleeding. Vigilant monitoring of patients is essential throughout the treatment period to promptly identify any instances of bleeding or adverse reactions. This medication should be administered in a hospital setting equipped with emergency facilities, and immediate medical care must be accessible in case of complications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before commencing treatment. Advanced age, particularly in patients over 75, can elevate the risk of bleeding complications, necessitating dosage adjustments in elderly patients.
Frequently Asked Question
Alteplase is most effective when administered within the recommended time window and in specific cases of acute ischemic stroke, pulmonary embolism, or myocardial infarction. Its use must be carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis by qualified healthcare professionals.
Alteplase is contraindicated in certain conditions, such as active bleeding, recent major surgery, intracranial hemorrhage, known hypersensitivity to it, and other situations with an increased risk of bleeding.
Before administering alteplase, healthcare professionals typically perform brain imaging (CT or MRI) to rule out hemorrhagic stroke, a contraindication for this medication use. They may also conduct blood tests to assess coagulation parameters and ensure that the patient meets the necessary criteria for treatment.
There is no specific reversal agent for alteplase. In case of severe bleeding complications, healthcare professionals may use supportive measures, blood products, or other interventions to manage bleeding. Close monitoring and immediate medical attention are essential to address any adverse events promptly.