| Mechanism | * Binds to circulating plasminogen forming activator complex * Converts plasminogen to plasmin * Plasmin lyses fibrin within thrombus |
| Typical Dose | 250,000 units then 100,000 units every 1 hour for 24 hours or 1,500,000 units over 1-2 hours |
| Indications | * Acute MI (when PCI is over 2 hours away) * Thromboembolic events: DVT/PE/central retinal thrombosis |
| Contra-indications | * Recent haemorrhage/trauma/surgery * Coagulation defects * Aortic dissection/Aneurysm * Acute pancreatitis |
| Side-effects | * Nausea/vomiting * Bleeding * Hypotension * Allergy * Reperfusion arrhythmia/cerebral oedema |
| Interactions | Warfarin - increased risk of bleeding duh |
| Elimination | |
| Additional Notes | Body generates antibodies to streptokinase so cannot be used twice in the same year. Should be given within 12 hours of MI, best effect within 3 |