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Thrombolytics

What are Thrombolytics?

Thrombolytics are medicines that may be used for the emergency treatment of an ischemic stroke (a stroke caused by a blood clot), a heart attack (myocardial infarction), or a massive pulmonary embolism (PE). They may also be used for other indications.

Thrombolytics break up clots by activating fibrinolysis and converting plasminogen to plasmin which lyses the clot. This allows blood and oxygen to reperfuse the area, limiting tissue damage. Thrombolytics are more effective if initiated as soon as possible after the event (such as a heart attack, stroke, or PE) but can be given within three hours of symptom onset for a stroke, or within 12-24 hours of symptom onset for a heart attack.

Major bleeding, including bleeding into the brain, is the most common risk associated with thrombolytics.

List of Thrombolytics

View by  Generic | Brand
Drug Name Avg. Rating Reviews
alteplase systemic (Pro)
Brand names: Activase, Cathflo Activase
10
 2 reviews
reteplase systemic (Pro)
Brand names: Retavase, Retavase Half-Kit
2.0
 1 review
urokinase systemic
No reviews
tenecteplase systemic (Pro)
Brand name: TNKase 		No reviews
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).

See also

Medical conditions treated or associated with thrombolytics:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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