Urokinase
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Molecule Summary
| Uses | Blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, blocked catheters |
| Therapy | Thrombolytic |
| Side Effects | Bleeding, nosebleeds, blood in the urine, gum bleeding, pulmonary embolism |
Medicines
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19k pincodes
Molecule Description
Urokinase is a medicine used to dissolve harmful blood clots in the body. It can help clear clots that block tubes (catheters) in veins or arteries, treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs, and aid in emergencies such as large clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). It also helps restore blood flow when clots block arteries in the arms or legs. It works by activating a natural substance in the blood called plasminogen, which turns into plasmin. Plasmin breaks down the clot, helping to restore normal blood flow.
Urokinase should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or have had recent serious bleeding, surgery, stroke, or childbirth. It is also not recommended if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, serious liver or kidney disease (unless you're on dialysis), or bleeding disorders. People with infections, certain types of tumours, or conditions that may easily cause bleeding, especially in the brain, should avoid using this medicine.
The most common side effect is bleeding, which can happen at injection sites, from the nose or gums, or in the urine. Rarely, blood clots can move to other parts of the body, including the lungs. Certain medications, such as blood thinners (warfarin, heparin), anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen), and ACE inhibitors for blood pressure, can increase the risk of bleeding or allergic reactions when taken in combination with this medication. Contrast dyes used in scans may reduce their effectiveness.
Store Urokinase below 25°C and away from sunlight. Keep it out of reach of children and discard any leftover medicine properly. It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless clearly needed, and always under a doctor's advice. If you're over 75 years of age, have serious health conditions, or are on other medications, make sure to tell your doctor. You should also report any unusual bleeding or bruising right away.
Uses
- Urokinase is used to clear blood clots that block tubes (catheters or cannulas) placed in your veins or arteries.
- It helps treat serious blood clots in the deep veins, usually in the legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- It is used in emergencies to treat a large blood clot in the lungs, also called a pulmonary embolism, which can be very dangerous.
- It is also used to treat blocked blood flow in the arms or legs, when a clot is cutting off circulation and may put the limb at risk of damage.
Contraindications
When should one not use Urokinase
- If you are allergic to urokinase or any other ingredients of Urokinase.
- If you have active or recent serious bleeding, such as in the stomach, intestines, or brain, or if you have had major surgery, injury, or childbirth recently.
- If you have had a recent stroke or brain-related bleeding (within the last 2 months).
- If you have severe, uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- If you have serious liver or kidney problems, unless you are on dialysis.
- If you have a blood clotting disorder, a very low platelet count, or conditions such as an aneurysm or abnormal blood vessel connections.
- If you have certain serious infections or inflammations, such as pancreatitis, heart infections, or sepsis.
- If you have tumours that could easily bleed, especially in the brain.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Bleeding
- Nosebleeds (epistaxis) or bleeding from your gums (gingival bleeding).
- Pulmonary embolism (a blockage in the lungs).
- Blood in the urine
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Breast Feeding
Driving
Alcohol
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have recently undergone surgery, experienced bleeding, or sustained injuries.
- You have serious heart, brain, liver, or kidney problems.
- You are elderly (especially over 75 years of age).
- You are taking blood thinners or ACE inhibitors.
- You notice bleeding or bruising, even at needle or injection sites.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Urokinase works by helping to break down blood clots in your body. It activates a substance called plasminogen, turning it into plasmin, which is an enzyme that breaks apart the fibres that make up the clot. This process helps to dissolve the clot and restore normal blood flow, allowing your blood to move freely again, whether it's in the heart, lungs, or elsewhere.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Mixing Urokinase with 5% glucose in plastic (PVC) containers may reduce its effectiveness.
- Using blood thinners like warfarin or heparin at the same time may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Medicines that affect how platelets work, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, ibuprofen, dipyridamole or dextrans, can also raise the risk of bleeding.
- ACE inhibitors (commonly used for high blood pressure or heart conditions) may increase the chance of a serious allergic reaction called angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, or throat).
- Contrast dyes used in imaging procedures may slow down the rate at which Urokinase dissolves clots.
Dosage
Overdose
Urokinase will be given to you by a doctor or nurse. Therefore, it is less likely that you may get an overdose of the medicine. If you experience symptoms right after taking the medicine, seek medical help.
Missed a Dose
You will be monitored by the doctor or nurse as to when Urokinase should be given to you. Thus, it is unlikely that a dose of the medicine will be missed. If the doctor or nurse might have missed a dose, inform them.
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