Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 30, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Activase
- Cathflo Activase
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder for Solution
Therapeutic Class: Thrombolytic
Pharmacologic Class: Tissue Plasminogen Activator
Uses for alteplase, recombinant
Alteplase injection is used to dissolve blood clots that have formed in the blood vessels. It is used immediately after symptoms of a heart attack occur to improve patient survival. It is also used after symptoms of a stroke and to treat blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Alteplase is used to dissolve blood clots in tubes (catheters) that are placed in large blood vessels (central venous access devices).
Alteplase, recombinant is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using alteplase, recombinant
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For alteplase, recombinant, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to alteplase, recombinant or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism—Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of alteplase injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Central venous access devices—Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of alteplase injection in children.
Geriatric
Heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism—No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of alteplase in geriatric patients.
Central venous access devices—Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness ...
