Thrombolytics for Heart Attack and Unstable Angina
| alteplase |
Activase |
| reteplase |
Retavase |
| streptokinase |
Streptase |
| tenecteplase |
TNKase |
Thrombolytics are used to treat some people who are having a heart attack. They are typically given in a vein (intravenously, or IV). These drugs dissolve or break up blood
clots that are blocking blood flow through a coronary artery. Clots cause most
heart attacks.
Thrombolytics are used in the hospital as soon as possible after a heart attack. They work best if they are given within 3 hours of a
heart attack.
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Thrombolytics are not an option for everyone.
They are not used if you have a high risk of having serious problems, such as severe bleeding.
After a heart attack, thrombolytic medicines help to get blood flowing back to the heart.
1
Thrombolytics are given in the hospital. So a person is watched closely for any side effects.
The most common side effect is bleeding inside the body.
Other side effects may include:
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
Citations
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Hass EE, et al. (2011). ST-segmented elevation myocardial infarction. In V Fuster et al., eds., Hurst's the Heart, 13th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1354–1385. New York: McGraw-Hill.
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By
| Healthwise Staff |
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Primary Medical Reviewer
| Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
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Primary Medical Reviewer
| E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
| Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology |
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Last Revised
| April 29, 2011 |
Last Revised:
April 29, 2011
Hass EE, et al. (2011). ST-segmented elevation myocardial infarction. In V Fuster et al., eds., Hurst's the Heart, 13th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1354–1385. New York: McGraw-Hill.
