07/13, 2007
Thrombolytic Agents Information - Drug Interactions
Blood clot dissolvers
How the Drug Works:
Thrombolytic agents dissolve blood clots and restore blood circulation to affected body tissue.
Uses:
To dissolve blood clots, including those blocking coronary arteries in acute heart attacks.
Precautions:
Alteplase: To help manage acute ischemic strokes in adults to reduce the chances of disability, or to reduce the incidence of congestive heart failure (CHF) and death due to heart attack.
Streptokinase: To dissolve large blood clots in legs.
Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe alteplase for the treatment of unstable angina pectoris (chest pain).
Abnormal heartbeats: Use of thrombolytic agents to dissolve clots in coronary arteries (acute heart attack) may result in abnormal heartbeat. Heart rate will need to be monitored during and following therapy.
Pregnancy: Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits to the mother outÂweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.
Breastfeeding: It is not known if thrombolytic agents appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.
Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Lab Tests: Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Tests may include platelet counts, thrombin time (TT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen levels, hematocrit counts, as well as the monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and other vital signs (eg, respirations, temperature).
Drug Interactions:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or will be taking any overÂthe-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking a thrombolytic agent. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with thrombolytic agents:
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin)
- Aspirin antiplatelet agents heparin (eg, Hep-Lock)
- Ndomethacin (eg, Indocin)
Side Effects:
Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many thrombolytic agent users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:
Bleeding: Bleeding at puncture and incision sites; bleeding from rectum, stomach, lungs, gums, mouth, nose, or urinary tract.
Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting.
Circulatory System: Internal bleeding; irregular heartbeat; changes in blood pressure.
Skin: Rash; unusual bruising.
Other: Fever; chills; difficult or fast breathing; back pain.
Guidelines for Use:
- This medicine will be prepared and administered intravenously (into a vein) by your health care provider in a medical setting.
- Dosage is individualized.
- Effectiveness depends on how quickly the drug is given.
- Bleeding is a common side effect of thrombolytic agent therapy.
- Notify your doctor immediately if you experience fever, shivering, chills, rash, hives, swelling, or difficult or rapid breathing.
Tagged under:activated partial thromboplastin time, Antiplatelet Agents, blood clots in legs, heart attack, prescription medications thrombolytic agents