Thrombolytic Therapy (Tissue Plasminogen Activator - TPA)
Alternate Names : Activase Thrombolytic Agent, Alteplase, Clot-Dissolving Agents, Reperfusion Therapy, Reteplase, Tenecteplase, TPA
DefinitionThrombolytic therapy is a drug that break ups or dissolves blood clots, which are the main cause of both heart attacks and stroke.
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Description
Since 1996, tPA has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of stroke and heart attack. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), if tPA is given within the first 3 hours of a stroke, it may reduce permanent disability. If given within 12 hours of the onset of a heart attack, the person has a better chance for survival and recovery.
There are various drugs that dissolve clots, but tPA is currently used most often. Others include Streptokinase (SK), Reteplase, Tenecteplase, Urokinase, Lanoteplase, and Staphylokinase.
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