Products
Reteplase was marketed as an injectable (Rapilysin). The drug was approved in many countries in 1996 and withdrawn from the market in 2013.
Structure and properties
Reteplase is derivative of tissue-specific plasminogen activator (t-PA). It is a serine protease containing 355 of the 527 amino acids of native t-PA. The protein is produced by biotechnological methods.
Effects
Reteplase (ATC B01AD07) 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.
Indications
For thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction within 12 hours of symptom onset.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Treatment should be initiated as early as possible. The drug is injected slowly intravenously as a bolus injection twice at 30-minute intervals.
Contraindications
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include bleeding.
