Alteplase, Recombinant (By injection)
AL-te-plase, ree-KOM-bi-nant
Dissolves blood clots.
Drug classes
Thrombolytic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Alteplase is used to dissolve blood clots that have formed in the blood vessels. It is used immediately after symptoms of a heart attack occur to improve patient survival. It is also used after symptoms of a stroke and to treat blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) .
Alteplase is used to dissolve blood clots in tubes (catheters) that are placed in large blood vessels (central venous access devices) .
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription .
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
This medicine will be given to you while you are in the hospital. It is put directly into one of your veins.
You may also receive other medicines, such as aspirin and heparin, with alteplase. These medicines help prevent more clots from forming.
You will get a dose of the medicine right away. You will continue to get the medicine for about 1 to 3 hours, depending on the condition being treated. Caregivers will watch you closely to make sure the medicine is working and is not causing side effects.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines may affect how alteplase works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
Blood pressure medicine, such as benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril Blood thinner medicine, such as warfarin or heparin Dipyridamole Pain or arthritis medicine, such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxibWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to alteplase, any type of bleeding in your body (such as a bleeding ulcer), a brain tumor, a history of strokes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia, or head surgery or injury within the past 6 weeks.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you recently had a baby or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you had surgery or dental work recently, or stomach problems such as ulcers or colitis.
This medicine may cause bleeding problems. Be extra careful to prevent injuries until the effects of the medicine have worn off. Do not get out of bed without help. Watch for any bleeding from open areas, such around your IV. Also check for blood in your urine or bowel movements.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Bloody or black, tarry bowel movements
Bloody urine
Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Coughing up blood
Nosebleeds, bleeding from your gums, or any unexplained bruising or bleeding
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Activase, Cathflo Activase
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
