Thrombolytic Agents (Systemic)

BRAND NAMES:
In the U.S.
Abbokinase
Abbokinase Open-Cath
Activase
Eminase
Retavase
Streptase
BRAND NAMES:
In Canada
Abbokinase
Abbokinase Open-Cath
Activase rt-PA
Eminase
Streptase
Other commonly used names are:
Anisoylated plasminogen-streptokinase activator complex
APSAC
tissue-type plasminogen activator (recombinant)
t-PA
rt-PA

Description
Thrombolytic agents are used to dissolve blood clots that have formed in certain blood vessels. These medicines are usually used when a blood clot seriously lessens the flow of blood to certain parts of the body.

Thrombolytic agents are also used to dissolve blood clots that form in tubes that are placed into the body. The tubes allow treatments (such as dialysis or injections into a vein) to be given over a long period of time.

These medicines are to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

These medicines are available in the following dosage forms:

Parenteral
Alteplase, Recombinant
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Anistreplase
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Reteplase, Recombinant
Injection (U.S.)
Streptokinase
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Urokinase
Injection (U.S. and Canada)

Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing - The dose of these medicines will be different for different patients. The dose you receive will depend on the medicine you receive and will be based on the condition for which you are receiving the medicine. In some cases, the dose will also depend on your body weight.

Additional Information
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, alteplase may be used in certain patients with the following condition:

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease
Other than the above information, there is no additional information relating to proper use, precautions, or side effects for this use.