Alteplase (2 brand names, 1 dosage form, 1 route)
Available dosage forms: VIAL.
Routes of administration: SINGLE-USE.
Brand Names
- ACTIVASE
- CATHFLO ACTIVASE
Adverse Reactions
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in the other sections of the label: Bleeding [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Cholesterol Embolization [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
Drug Interactions
The interaction of Activase with other cardioactive or cerebroactive drugs has not been studied. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs increase the risk of bleeding if administered prior to, during, or after Activase therapy. In the post-marketing setting, there have been reports of angioedema in patients (primarily patients with AIS) receiving concomitant angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Mechanism of Action
Alteplase is a serine protease responsible for fibrin-enhanced conversion of plasminogen to plasmin. It produces limited conversion of plasminogen in the absence of fibrin. When introduced into the systemic circulation at pharmacologic concentration, alteplase binds to fibrin in a thrombus and converts the entrapped plasminogen to plasmin. This initiates local fibrinolysis with limited systemic proteolysis.