Streptokinase

Streptokinase is a medicine used to break down harmful blood clots that have formed in the blood vessels. It is used to treat patients who have suffered a recent heart attack. It is also used in treating conditions such as pulmonary embolism and stroke.

Streptokinase is administered under the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the medicine for you. The doctor may closely monitor your condition until you become stable.

Use of this medicine may cause injection site bleeding, nausea, allergic reaction, and a decrease in blood pressure. It may increase your risk of bleeding also. Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks associated with this medicine before it is administered. You should continue all your other medicines that are advised by the doctor for your long-term treatment even after this injection.

This medicine is used with caution for some people. Thus, you must inform the doctor if you are suffering from any bleeding disorder, kidney, or liver disease. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and about all the other medications that you are taking regularly.

• Heart attack
• Pulmonary embolism

Heart attack
Streptokinase helps lower your blood pressure and make it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This reduces the chances of you having a heart attack. It can also reduce the risk of dying if it is given immediately after a heart attack. It is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse and should not be self-administered.

Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism refers to clotting of blood in your lungs. Streptokinase prevents this clot formation in your lungs. This helps the blood flow freely around your body thereby preventing a heart attack or stroke. It prevents the formation of blood clots and also prevents the existing ones from growing bigger in size. Make appropriate lifestyle changes (such as eating healthy and staying active) to maximize the effectiveness of this medicine. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Thromboflux

• Allergic reaction
• Nausea
• Injection site bleeding
• Decrease in blood pressure

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Streptokinase works by dissolving the harmful blood clots in the blood vessels. This restores the blood flow to the affected tissue, thereby preventing tissue death and improving outcomes.

• It increases your risk of bleeding. Be careful while shaving, cutting fingernails or toenails, using sharp objects or engaging in contact sports (e.g. football, wrestling).
• Do not discontinue use without consulting your doctor as this may increase your chances of having another heart attack or stroke.

Fox KA, White HD, Gersh BJ, et al. Antithrombotic Agents: Platelete Inhibitors, Acute Anticoagulants, Fibrinolytics, and Chronic Anticoagulants. In: Opie LH, Gersh BJ, editors. Drugs for the Heart. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Elsevier Saunders; 2013. pp. 384-85.

Weitz JI. Blood Coagulation and Anticoagulant, Fibrinolytic, and Antiplatelet Drugs. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 866.

Drugs.com. Streptokinase Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. [Accessed 20 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from: