alteplase

Uses: acute thrombotic event, including MI, stroke, and PE
Mechanism of action recombinant plasminogen activator - which forms plasmin, which degrades fibrin
alteplase only works when bound to fibrin
Dose example: 15mg bolus → 50mg over 30 min → 35mg over 60 min
Pharmacokinetics Absorption
Distribution
Metabolism liver
Elimination as free alteplase - t1/2 = 4-5 mins
Time course of action
Adverse effects bleeding
anaphylaxis
hypotension
Contraindications acute pancreatitis
any risk of significant bleeding e.g. intracranial haemorrhage, bleeding disorder in past 6/12, anticoagulated
major surgery, trauma or procedure with risk of bleeding in last 3/12
thrombocytopenia
uncontrolled hypertension (>185/110 mmHg)
hypersensitivity to gentamicin...?

Tenecteplase - similar drug in class, but given as bolus