Actilyse

What is it?

A fibrinolytic (disperses blood clots) drug available as a powder for reconstitution and injection. It can only be used under close medical supervision.

Medical Uses

Thrombosis, embolisms and particularly myocardial infarction.

Dosage

A total of 100mg, given intravenously over a 2-hour period in adults only.

Special Care

In patients with liver or kidney disease, diabetes or hypertension.

Avoid Use

In children, pregnant and nursing mothers, those with any form of bleeding (e. g. menstruation), recent surgery including dental treatment, or haemorrhage, any condition likely to bleed, e. g. active peptic ulcer or case of pancreatitis. Should not be administered to those having allergic reactions to streptokinase and anistreplase (no longer available) or who have recently been treated with these.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

With other plasma protein-bound drugs, i. e. anticoagulants.

Known Side Effects

Mainly nausea, vomiting and bleeding usually confined to puncture site but can occur elsewhere including intracerebral haemorrhage. Severe bleeding necessitates halting of treatment and possible administration of drugs to counter the fibrinolytic. Hence close monitoring is essential during treatment.

Manufacturer

Boehringer Ingelheim.