Thrombolytics

Thrombolytic therapy is the use of drugs to break-up the clot that is causing the disruption in blood flow to the brain.

It is crucial, imperative, and very important that you immediately go to the hospital when you first notice the warning signs of a stroke. The length of time between the first warning signs and the time you get to a hospital may be the difference between a good or poor outcome. Patients who present to the hospital within 3 hours of the first sign of a stroke have the possibility to receive alteplase (tPa, Activase®). Alteplase is a clot-buster. It breaks-up the clot to restore blood flow to the area of the stroke.

There are many factors that determine whether or not a patient is able to receive thrombolytic therapy. One of these factors, that you have control of, is the amount of time between the onset of symptoms and presentation to the hospital. If you get to the hospital within the 3 hour time frame and the doctor determines you are able to receive this clot-buster, you may have a better recovery.

Tissue Plasminogen Activator
(tPA, Activase®)

Tissue plasminogen activator is a thrombolytic drug (a "clot-buster").   It can reduce the severity of ischemic stroke if it is given within three hours of stroke onset.  This drug can be given intravenously or by arterial catheter, but not by mouth.  

• Genentech, Inc.
  Activase® information.
• Medline Plus - from the National Library of Medicine
  TPA description, directions for proper use, precautions and side effects.

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This page authored by Chad Mosely and Susan Fagan, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy.

Last Updated: January 22, 2003

Important:  The information on this page is for educational use only.  This site does not provide treatment information and cannot endorse the sites we link to. Always discuss medication issues with your physician or other health care provider.