Alteplase

Alteplase

Where is Alteplase used?

Alteplase is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of;

  • Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) – to lessen the mortality and occurrence of heart failure.
  • Acute Ischemic Stroke – exclude intracranial hemorrhage as the primary cause of stroke signs and symptoms.
  • Pulmonary Embolism
  • Acute pulmonary emboli accompanied by unbalanced hemodynamic (failure to maintain blood pressure without supportive measures)
  • Acute pulmonary emboli obstructing blood flow to a lobe or multiple lung segments

Alteplase is a TPA or a tissue plasminogen activator produced by recombinant DNA technology. This is a white to off-white, sterile, and lyophilized powder for intravenous administration. This is also a purified and sterile glycoprotein of 527 amino acids. It is synthesized using complementary DNA for a natural human tissue-type plasminogen activator. It is obtained from a human melanoma cell line. This is an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved prescription.

How does Alteplase work?

Alteplase is a serine protease in control for fibrin-enhanced conversion of plasminogen to plasmin. It creates limited transfiguration of plasminogen in the absence of fibrin. When introduced into the systematic circulation at pharmacologic concentration, alteplase binds to fibrin in a thrombus. It converts the entrapped plasminogen to plasmin too. This initiates local fibrinolysis with limited systematic proteolysis.

How is Alteplase given?

Before you receive this drug, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • Any type of stroke
  • A serious injury or major surgery
  • An infection of the lining of your heart or also called bacterial endocarditis
  • An organ biopsy
  • Bleeding in your stomach, intestines, brain, or urinary tract
  • Eye problems caused by diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart problems
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Liver or kidney disease
  • Severe bruising or infection around the injection site

The recommended treatment dose for this medication is 0.9mg/kg infused over 60 minutes. This is to be used with the assistance of a doctor or nurse. If you will be using this at home, consult a doctor first. Understand the instructions given by your doctor and ask the part where you don’t understand.

Do not twice the prescribed dose. If you missed a dose, call your doctor or healthcare provider for further instructions. Do not take more or less than the recommended dosage. Call for medical assistance right away if your condition gets worse or does not improve.

What are the possible side effects of Alteplase?

  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Mild fever
  • Allergic reactions (hives, rash, swelling)

What are the precautions in taking Alteplase?

  • If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, consult first your doctor before using this.
  • Tell to your doctor if you have any allergies, medical history, or current medications including vitamins, food supplements, or herbal products.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol if you are having this treatment. It may increase your risk of having certain side effects.
  • This can cause internal or external bleeding, especially at arterial and venous puncture sites. If any of this occurs, tell your doctor.
  • Avoid trauma and intramuscular injections to the patient while on this treatment.
  • Keep this away from the reach of children and pets.