Alteplase



Activase®; Cathflo™ Activase®







Alteplase

(AL te plase)

U.S. Brand Names
Activase®; Cathflo™ Activase®
Canadian Brand Names
Activase® rt-PA; Cathflo™ Activase®
Mexican Brand Names
Actilyse®
Pharmacologic Category
Thrombolytic Agent
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to alteplase or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Aneurysm, arteriovenous malformations, bleeding problems, brain tumor, injury to the brain or spine in the last 2 months, stroke, surgery on the brain or spine in the last 2 months, or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent muscle damage to the heart during a heart attack.
  • This medicine is used to clear blood clots out of catheters.
  • This medicine is used to treat blood clots.
How does it work?
  • Alteplase dissolves blood clots.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.
  • This medicine is given as a shot into the catheter.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Call healthcare provider for instructions.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have had any recent surgery or dental procedures, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Use caution to prevent injury and avoid falls or accidents.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Serious bleeding can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Severe headache.
  • Severe back pain.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: