alteplázu

Alteplase is a medication used to break down blood clots. It belongs to a class of drugs called thrombolytics or fibrinolytics, which work by activating a substance in the body called plasminogen. Plasminogen is then converted into plasmin, an enzyme that dissolves fibrin, a protein that forms the meshwork of blood clots. Alteplase is a genetically engineered version of a naturally occurring human enzyme.

This medication is primarily administered intravenously and is crucial in the acute treatment of certain medical emergencies. Its most common use is in dissolving blood clots that cause ischemic stroke, where a clot blocks blood flow to the brain. Early administration of alteplase in stroke patients can significantly improve outcomes and reduce long-term disability. Another important application is in the treatment of myocardial infarction (heart attack), where it can be used to open blocked coronary arteries, restoring blood flow to the heart muscle. Alteplase can also be used to dissolve blood clots in pulmonary embolism, a condition where a clot travels to the lungs.

Like all medications, alteplase carries potential risks, the most significant being bleeding. Because it dissolves clots, it can also increase the risk of bleeding elsewhere in the body. Therefore, its use requires careful medical evaluation to weigh the benefits against the risks, and it is administered under strict medical supervision. Contraindications for alteplase include recent surgery, active bleeding, or a history of hemorrhagic stroke.