Thrombolytics Unveiled: Mechanism, Uses, and Risks of Streptokinase & Urokinase

Thrombolytics

List of Thrombolytic Agents

• Streptokinase
• Urokinase
• Alteplase (tPA)
• Reteplase
• Tenecteplase

Mechanism of Action

• Thrombolytics convert plasminogen → plasmin, which dissolves fibrin clots.
• Streptokinase forms a complex with plasminogen to activate it.
• Urokinase directly activates plasminogen.

Streptokinase

• Mechanism: Forms complex with plasminogen → converts to plasmin → fibrin degradation
• Indications:
• Acute myocardial infarction (AMI)
• Pulmonary embolism
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Adverse Effects:
• Bleeding
• Hypotension
• Allergic reactions (foreign protein)
• Contraindications:
• Recent surgery
• Active bleeding
• History of stroke
• Hypersensitivity to streptococci

Urokinase

• Mechanism: Direct plasminogen activator
• Indications:
• Pulmonary embolism
• Catheter clearance
• Adverse Effects:
• Hemorrhage
• Rare allergic reactions
• Contraindications:
• Active internal bleeding
• Recent cerebrovascular accident
• Severe uncontrolled hypertension

                                                             END OF THE CHAPTER

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