Streptokinase is used for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) within 12 hours of start of episode to increase patient survival
It is also used to dissolve blood clots in the blood vessels in conditions such as pulmonary thromboembolism (blockage of lung’s main artery), arteriovenous occlusion (blockage of blood vessels) and deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in a deep vein) in the legs
Mechanism of Action
Streptokinase belongs to a class of drugs called thrombolytic agents
It acts by increasing the levels of an enzyme called plasmin in the blood which is responsible for breakage of the blood clot, thereby dissolving the clot
Dosage
IV- Acute MI- 1.5 million units as a single dose immediately after onset of symptoms
Pulmonary thromboembolism; Arteriovenous occlusions Loading dose: 250,000 units via infusion
Maintenance: 100,000 u/hour for 24-72 hour depending on the condition treated
Side Effects
Rigors
Abdominal pain
Genitourinary bleeding
An irregular heartbeat
Bleeding at the injection site
Nausea and vomiting
Bleeding from nose
Low blood pressure
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Warnings/Precautions
Do not be given to patients with history of any recent internal bleeding, unusual susceptibility to bleeding, history of blood vessels disorders (e.g. weakness in an artery, excessive localized swelling of arteries) or uncontrolled high blood pressure or have any clotting disorders or are taking any drugs to prevent blood clotting
Donot be given to patients who have undergone a recent surgery especially of the head or spine, or recently had a stroke, serious head injury, brain tumor, tumor which increases risk of bleeding
Do not be given to patients with severe liver or kidney damage or inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis) or inflammation of inner and outer layers of the heart (endocarditis or pericarditis) or peptic ulceration (sores in the lining of the stomach) or heavy vaginal bleeding
