Generic name: alteplase [ AL-te-plase ]
Brand names: Activase, Cathflo Activase
Dosage forms: injectable powder for injection (2 mg); intravenous powder for injection (100 mg; 50 mg)
Drug class:Thrombolytics
What is alteplase?
Alteplase is a thrombolytic (THROM-bo-LIT-ik) drug, sometimes called a "clot-busting" drug. It helps your body produce a substance that dissolves unwanted blood clots.
Alteplase is used to treat a stroke caused by a blood clot or other obstruction in a blood vessel. Alteplase is also used to prevent death from a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction).
Alteplase is also used to treat a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism).
Alteplase is also used to dissolve blood clots that have formed in or around a catheter placed inside a blood vessel. This improve the flow of medicines injected in through the catheter, or blood drawn out through the catheter.
Alteplase may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Alteplase increases your risk of severe or fatal bleeding, especially from a surgical incision, or from the skin where a needle was inserted. Seek emergency help if you have any bleeding that will not stop.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with alteplase if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
active bleeding inside your body;
a brain tumor or aneurysm (dilated blood vessel);
a history of ...
