Streptokinase
About Streptokinase
Streptokinase belongs to the class of medicines called antifibrinolytic agents. It is used to dissolve blood clots that have formed in the blood vessels in various conditions such as Intravascular dissolution of thrombi and emboli in extensive deep vein thrombosis, Pulmonary embolism, Acute or subacute occlusion of peripheral arteries, Central retinal venous and Arterial thrombosis.
Streptokinase contains Streptokinase. Streptokinase creates a highly specific 1:1 enzymatic complex with plasminogen that transforms inactive plasminogen molecules into active plasmin. Plasmin destroys fibrin clots, as well as fibrinogen and other plasma proteins. This, in turn, causes the breakdown of blood clots.
Streptokinase should be administered to patients only in a hospital setting by an experienced healthcare professional. Streptokinase may cause certain common side effects, including allergic reactions, hypotension, tachycardia, bradycardia, hypotension, heart rate and rhythm disorders, angina pectoris, nausea, diarrhoea, epigastric pain, vomiting, headache, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, chills, fever, asthenia, elevations of serum transaminases and bilirubin. These side effects usually go away on their own. If you develop any other serious side effects, such as vision problems while using Streptokinase, consult your doctor immediately.
Streptokinase is indicated in adults. Streptokinase is not recommended for children below 18 years of age as the safety and effectiveness were not established. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding since Streptokinase is contra-indicated in pregnancy, especially within the first 18 weeks of pregnancy. It is unknown whether Streptokinase is excreted in human milk. Breast milk should be discarded during the first 24 hours following thrombolytic therapy.
Uses of Streptokinase
Medicinal Benefits
Streptokinase contains ‘Streptokinase’, which belongs to the class of anti-fibrinolytic agents. It acts by regulating the breakdown of blood clots in the body. It blocks the release and action of plasmin, an enzyme essential for the breakdown of clots in the blood. This effect helps to slow down abnormal bleeding.
Directions for Use
Side Effects of Streptokinase
- Haemorrhage at the injection site
- Ecchymoses (a discoloration of the skin)
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Genitourinary bleeding
- Epistaxis (nosebleed)
- Development of anti-streptokinase antibodies
- Allergic reactions
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Heart rate and rhythm disorders
- Angina pectoris
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Epigastric pain
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Back pain
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Asthenia (abnormal physical weakness)
- Elevations of serum transaminases and bilirubin
Drug Warnings
Before taking Streptokinase, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications you are using. Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Usage of Streptokinase contraindicated to use in persons with certain medical conditions that cause risk of bleeding such as existing or recent internal haemorrhage (internal bleeding), recent cerebrovascular accident, intracranial or intraspinal surgery, intracranial neoplasm (brain tumour), recent head trauma, arteriovenous malformation (an abnormal connection between arteries and veins), neoplasm (a cancerous tumour) with risk of bleeding, pancreas inflammation, severe liver or kidney damage and simultaneous or recent treatment with oral anticoagulants. So, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all medications you are using.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Streptokinase may interact with oral anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin, heparin),
Drug-food interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-disease interactions: Streptokinase contraindicated to use in persons with certain medical conditions, including existing or recent internal haemorrhage (internal bleeding), recent cerebrovascular accident, intracranial or intraspinal surgery, intracranial neoplasm (brain tumour), recent head trauma, arteriovenous malformation (an abnormal connection between arteries and veins), neoplasm (a cancerous tumour) with risk of bleeding, pancreas inflammation, severe liver or kidney damage.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionStreptokinase may not interact with alcohol. However, avoid the consumption of alcohol as it may worsen your health condition.
Pregnancy
cautionStreptokinase is contra-indicated in pregnancy, especially within the first 18 weeks of pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether streptokinase is excreted in human milk. Breast milk should be discarded during the first 24 hours following thrombolytic therapy.
Driving
cautionIt is not known whether Streptokinase alters the ability to drive. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor before receiving Streptokinase if you have had a liver impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor before receiving Streptokinase if you have had a kidney impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeStreptokinase is not recommended in neonates, infants and children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Ask your doctor about the preferred exercises to do based on your health condition.
- Stay hydrated and consume plenty of fluids. Fluids are necessary to maintain blood flow in your body.
- Consume fresh fruits and vegetables. Consult a dietitian and prepare a diet plan. Eating healthy can help you to recover faster.
Special Advise
- Streptokinase should be taken under strict medical supervision.
- Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. The doctor will regularly monitor your condition while taking Streptokinase.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Blood clot: A blood clot is a clump of blood that has changed from a liquid to a gel-like or semisolid state. Blood clots are formed to stop bleeding that occurs due to tissue injury. Though blood clots help stop bleeding, they may be harmful when abnormally formed within blood vessels as they block blood vessels, inhibit blood flow to essential organs such as the brain, heart or lungs, and result in severe conditions. The common risk factors for blood clots are obesity, smoking, cancer, family history of blood clots, age over 65, and certain birth control pills or pregnancy.
Deep vein thrombosis: Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs) is a medical condition in which blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the legs. The symptoms include leg pain or swelling.
Pulmonary Embolism: Pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lung) is a blockage in the lung arteries. It is caused by blood clots that travel from the legs or other body parts. The symptoms of pulmonary embolism include chest pain, cough, and shortness of breath.
Acute Arterial Occlusion: Acute arterial occlusion is caused by a blockage in one of your peripheral arteries, preventing blood from flowing to one of your limbs. The most common reason is blood clots, which commonly form in your legs.
Central Retinal Venous: Central retinal venous, also known as Central retinal venous occlusion (CRVO) is an eye disorder that affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of the eye. It occurs when a blood clot obstructs the major vein from which blood flows out of the retina. It typically only affects one eye.
Arterial Thrombosis: A blood clot that forms in an artery is known as arterial thrombosis. It's harmful since it may restrict or stop blood flow to key organs like the heart or brain.
FAQs
Streptokinase is used to dissolve blood clots that have formed in the blood vessels in various conditions such as Intravascular dissolution of thrombi and emboli in extensive deep vein thrombosis, Pulmonary embolism, Acute or subacute occlusion of peripheral arteries, Central retinal venous and Arterial thrombosis.
Streptokinase contains Streptokinase. Streptokinase creates a highly specific 1:1 enzymatic complex with plasminogen that transforms inactive plasminogen molecules into active plasmin. Plasmin destroys fibrin clots, as well as fibrinogen and other plasma proteins. This, in turn, causes the breakdown of blood clots.
Streptokinase may cause Arrhythmia. Arrhythmia monitoring is advised during and soon following delivery of Streptokinase.
The most frequent adverse reaction associated with this therapy is bleeding. In most cases, this condition gradually resolves over time. However, if bleeding persists, contact your doctor.
Do not take anticoagulants; drugs that inhibit platelet function increase the risk of bleeding when administered Streptokinase.
Streptokinase may cause side effects in some individuals. Commonly reported side effects include allergic reactions, fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate, chest pain, gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea, muscle pain, headache, chills, fever, and general weakness. Additionally, it may occasionally affect liver function, leading to elevated serum transaminase and bilirubin levels. Most side effects are temporary and resolve without needing further treatment. However, if you experience severe side effects, such as vision problems, seek immediate medical attention for proper evaluation and guidance.
