Details

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Alteplase 20mg, 50mg Injection is a blood affecting drug which belongs to a group of fibrinolytic or thrombolytics and sub grouped as tissue plasminogen activators (t-PAs).

It is a prescription only drug.

Fibrinolytics are used to break the clot blocking blood vessels leading to various complications.

It is mainly used for the treatment rather than as prophylaxis.

alteplase is recombinant human t-PA  produced by DNA recombinant technology from human tissue culture.

Mechanism of action:It is the fibrin specific which means it acts on the plasminogen attached to the fibrin in the clot and has very little effect on the circulating plasminogen.Then this plasminogen generates serine protease Plasmin which lyses the fibrin leading to the breakdown of clot.

It is available as Actilyse in both Indian and International markets.

 

Uses

• Alteplase 20mg, 50mg Injection is the only thrombolytic agent that is licensed as the first line of treatment of acute ischaemic stroke.
• It is also used in acute myocardial infarction.
• It is used in endovascular therapy for acute ischaemic stroke with stent based clots.
• It is used in treating pulmonary embolism with hemodynamic instability
• Alteplase 20mg, 50mg Injection is also indicated in severe deep venous thrombosis like Superior vena caval syndrome and ascending thrombophlebitis of the leg with severe edema in legs.
• It is also used in cases where streptokinase is less effective or in case of streptokinase allergy.

 

Dosage

• Alteplase 20mg, 50mg Injection comes as single use powder vial and is mixed with sterile water before injecting.
• Actilyse is directly administered into the blood circulation by intravenous or intra-arterial infusion by healthcare professionals only. Do not self inject.
• Dosages are determined by the doctor according to the severity of stroke, weight and other medical conditions.
• Actilyse is stored at temperature below 30⁰ And after mixing it must be used within 24 hours and stored at 8⁰C.

 

Side effects

• Haemorrhage which may lead to collapse, weakness of the arms or legs, Bruising of skin, blood in urine.
• Lightheadedness and dizziness
• Headache , nausea and vomiting
• Bleeding and bruising at the site of injection

 

Precautions

• Recent strokes, bleeding , pregnancy and surgery are contraindications but in

patients with a large anterior myocardial infarction, Actilyse has more benefits than risks.

• Extra care is required to avoid any injury or bruising which might lead to bleeding complications.

Tell the doctor about any medical condition, ongoing medications (like aspirin or ace inhibitors), allergy, pregnancy or future plan of pregnancy and breastfeeding.