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Clot Busting Drugs

Also called: APSAC, Tissue Plasminogen Activator, rt-PA, Thrombolytic Enzymes, Thrombolytic Drugs, Thrombolytic Agents, t-PA

- Summary
- About clot-busting drugs
- Conditions treated
- Conditions of concern
- Potential side effects
- Drug or other interactions
- Symptoms of overdose
- Pregnancy use issues
- Child use issues
- Elderly use issues
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Kerry Prewitt, M.D., FACC
Abdou Elhendy, MD, PhD, FACC, FAHA
Robert I. Hamby, M.D., FACC, FACP

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Symptoms of clot-buster overdose

Clot-busting drugs are universally administered in a hospital or emergency medical setting while the patient is being closely monitored.This is because of the high risk of bleeding complications These drugs are not taken by individual patients. Signs and symptoms of internal bleeding include:

Abdominal pain or swelling
Black stools
Blood in stools, urine or vomit or coughing up blood
Blurred vision or bleeding in eyes
Chest pain
Muscle pain or stiffness
Confusion
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Nausea or vomiting
Severe headache
Joint stiffness, swelling edema or pain.
Fainting syncope
Sudden weakness
Shortness of breath
Numbness or paralysis of limbs or face
Unusual bleeding, including nosebleeds

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Review Date: 03-07-2007

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