Products
Alteplase is commercially available as an injectable (Actilyse). The drug has been approved in many countries since 1988.
Structure and properties
Alteplase is a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) produced by biotechnological methods. It is a serine protease composed of 527 amino acids.
Effects
Alteplase (ATC B01AD02) has fibrinolytic and thrombolytic properties. The enzyme leads to the formation of plasmin from plasminogen. Plasmin dissolves fibrin in the blood clot, leading to thrombolysis. The drug is mainly effective in the presence of fibrin.
Indications
For thrombolytic treatment in:
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Acute massive pulmonary embolism and hemodynamic instability.
- Acute ischemic cerebral stroke
Dosage
According to the professional information. The drug is administered intravenously.
Contraindications
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include bleeding.