What is Thrombolytic Therapy?
Thrombolytics, or clot buster drugs, are a type of medicine given in the hospital through the veins (intravenous) to break up blood clots. Heart attack (caused by a blood clot in a coronary artery) and ischemic stroke (caused by a blood clot in an artery in the brain) are the two main conditions for which thrombolytic medications may be prescribed. These powerful drugs are given:
- To prevent the ongoing damage of heart attacks
- To prevent ongoing damage from ischemic stroke
- To break up blood clots in other blood vessels in the body
It is important to know the signs and symptoms of stroke and heart attack and call for emergency help (9-1-1 in most areas) right away if you or someone you are with is experiencing them. The faster you receive treatment with thrombolytic therapy (if appropriate), the quicker blood flow will be restored to the area and the greater chance to prevent long-term damage, or even death.
For persons with heart attacks, immediate transfer to a hospital that can perform balloon angioplasty (with stents) is preferred over thrombolytics, unless there is excessive delay in transfer.
Thrombolytics are typically only effective in treating stroke patients if the stroke is due to a clot and symptoms have been ongoing less than three hours before treatment.
There are many drugs that are used to break up clots, such as:
- Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA)
- Tenecteplase
- Alteplase
- Reteplase
Who shouldn't take clot busters?
Please tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Hemorrhagic stroke or bleeding in the brain EXCEPT ischemic stroke within three hours
- Known cerebral vascular lesion or tumor
- Previous allergic reaction to a clot buster, or other allergies
- Active bleeding (excluding menses)
- Pregnancy
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Bleeding disorder, or recent history of bleeding in any part of the body
- Severe liver disease
- Recent surgery (less than 2 weeks)
- Recent trauma, falls, or blows to the head within past 3 months
- Recent CPR
- Active peptic ulcer
Should I be concerned about food and drug interactions with clot busters?
Certain medications may increase your risk of bleeding if you are prescribed thrombolytic medications. Tell your doctor the names of all the medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbal medications, supplements, or vitamins you are taking. Examples of these medications include:
- Blood thinners (warfarin, Coumadin)
- Anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin)
What are the side effects?
As with any drug, there can be side effects with thrombolytic therapy. Stroke due to bleeding is the most concerning risk. Notify your doctor if you notice:
- Headache, dizziness or weakness
- Bleeding or oozing from cuts or around the area of injection
- Allergic reaction
- Fever
- Low blood pressure
- Signs of bleeding from other sites within the body, such as blood in the urine, black tarry stools, nose bleeds, bleeding from the gums
- Any additional unusual symptoms
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 1/1/2006…#12873
