What is Activase used for?

Activase (alteplase) is indicated to break apart an acute massive pulmonary embolism, which is a large blood clot lodged in the blood vessels of the lung. The pulmonary embolism must be severe enough to block blood flow to the lungs and cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure.

Is Activase the same as tPA?

Official Answer. Yes, Activase is the same as tPA but technically tPA is an abbreviation for tissue plasminogen activator which is the drug class that encompasses all tissue plasminogen activators of which there are 3 that have been FDA approved in the United States, namely: Activase (generic name alteplase)

How is Activase administered?

The recommended dose of Activase is 0.9 milligrams per kilogram. 10% of the total dose is administered as initial intravenous bolus over 1 minute. The remaining 90% is infused intravenously over 60 minutes. The total dose must not exceed 90 milligrams.

What drug class is Activase?

Activase belongs to a group of drugs called thrombolytics. These dissolve blood clots quickly to help restart blood flow to the heart and helps prevent damage to the heart muscle. This medication is available in an injectable form to be given directly into a vein by a healthcare professional.

Is Activase a thrombolytic?

Alteplase is a thrombolytic (THROM-bo-LIT-ik) drug, sometimes called a “clot-busting” drug. It helps your body produce a substance that dissolves unwanted blood clots. Alteplase is used to treat a stroke caused by a blood clot or other obstruction in a blood vessel.

How long does it take Activase to work?

Mix by gently swirling until the contents are completely dissolved. Complete dissolution should occur within 3 minutes. DO NOT SHAKE. The reconstituted preparation results in a colorless to pale yellow transparent solution containing 1 mg/mL Cathflo Activase at a pH of approximately 7.3.

Is Activase an anticoagulant?

Activase (alteplase) is an enzyme, which works to break up and dissolve blood clots that can block arteries, used in the treatment of an acute heart attack or pulmonary embolism.

When should tPA be administered?

IV tPA should be administered to all eligible acute stroke patients within 3 hours of last known normal and to a more selective group of eligible acute stroke patients (based on ECASS III exclusion criteria) within 4.5 hours of last known normal.

What is the antidote for tPA?

Answer. Aminocaproic acid is a specific antidote to fibrinolytic agents. In adults, 4-5 g of aminocaproic acid in 250 mL of diluent is administered by infusion during the first hour of treatment, followed by a continuing infusion at the rate of 4 mL (1 g) per hour in 50 mL of diluent.

What happens if you push Cathflo?

Excessive pressure should be avoided when Cathflo Activase is instilled into the catheter. Such force could cause rupture of the catheter or expulsion of the clot into the circulation.

What are the side effects of tPA?

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  • Bleeding from puncture sites and wounds.
  • coughing up blood.
  • difficulty with breathing or swallowing.
  • headache.
  • increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding.
  • nosebleeds.
  • paralysis.
  • prolonged bleeding from cuts.

How is Activase made?

It is synthesized using the complementary DNA (cDNA) for natural human tissue-type plasminogen activator obtained from a human melanoma cell line. Activase is a sterile, white to off-white, lyophilized powder for intravenous administration after reconstitution with Sterile Water for Injection, USP.