Streptokinase
About Streptokinase
Streptokinase is a prescription injection used to dissolve harmful blood clots that block blood flow in emergencies. Depending on the specific medicine prescribed, it may be used to treat conditions such as acute heart attack (myocardial infarction), acute ischaemic stroke, pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), or blocked blood vessels. By rapidly dissolving the clot, it helps restore blood flow, reduce tissue damage, and improve the chances of recovery.
Because Streptokinase is an emergency medicine, it is administered only by trained healthcare professionals in a hospital or emergency care setting. It is given as an intravenous injection or infusion, depending on the specific medicine and condition being treated. After treatment, your doctor may recommend long-term medicines, lifestyle changes, and rehabilitation to reduce the risk of future blood clots.
While receiving Streptokinase, some people may experience mild bruising, bleeding from the injection site, nausea, or a temporary fall in blood pressure. However, serious bleeding can occur and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you notice severe headache, sudden weakness, blood in your urine or stools, coughing up blood, or prolonged bleeding.
Before receiving this medicine, tell your doctor if you have had a recent stroke (unless being treated for an acute ischaemic stroke), major surgery, severe uncontrolled high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, stomach ulcers, or recent serious injuries. Do not receive this medicine if you have active internal bleeding or any condition where thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated.
This medicine can interact with blood thinners, antiplatelet medicines, and medicines that increase bleeding risk. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, elderly, or have kidney or liver disease, your doctor will carefully assess the benefits and risks before treatment.
Uses of Streptokinase
Medicinal Benefits
Streptokinase provides rapid clot-dissolving treatment during life-threatening medical emergencies. By restoring blood flow to affected organs, it helps limit permanent tissue damage and improves the chances of recovery when administered promptly.
- Restores blood circulation: Quickly dissolves blood clots that obstruct blood flow to the heart, lungs, brain, or other vital organs.
- Reduces organ damage: Early treatment helps minimise permanent injury to the heart muscle, brain tissue, or lungs.
- Relieves severe symptoms: Helps improve symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or neurological deficits caused by blocked blood vessels.
- Supports recovery: By restoring circulation quickly, it improves the likelihood of better long-term outcomes following a thrombotic emergency.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication, to improve effectiveness.
- Streptokinase will be administered by a healthcare professional.
- Do not self-administer it.
Side Effects of Streptokinase
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Bleeding or bruising at the injection site
- Mild nausea
- Temporary low blood pressure
- Mild fever (with certain thrombolytics)
- Minor gum or nose bleeding
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe internal bleeding
- Blood in urine or stools
- Vomiting or coughing up blood
- Sudden severe headache, confusion, or weakness (possible brain bleeding)
- Severe allergic reactions (more common with Streptokinase)
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inform your healthcare provider about any recent surgery, injury, or bleeding problems before treatment begins.
- Avoid unnecessary injections or invasive procedures after receiving this medicine unless advised by your doctor.
- Report any unusual bleeding immediately, including nosebleeds, blood in urine or stools, or prolonged bleeding from cuts.
- Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor if recommended to reduce the risk of minor bleeding after treatment.
- Carry information about your recent thrombolytic treatment if you require emergency medical care within the following days.
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin, apixaban, rivaroxaban): Significantly increase the risk of serious bleeding.
- Antiplatelet medicines (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor): May further increase bleeding risk when used together.
- NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen): Increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and should be used cautiously.
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
- Follow a heart-healthy diet: Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and limit salt and saturated fat.
- Take prescribed blood-thinning medicines exactly as directed: Do not stop them without consulting your doctor.
- Avoid activities with a high risk of injury: Bruising and bleeding may occur more easily after thrombolytic treatment.
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake: Both increase the risk of future cardiovascular disease and bleeding complications.
- Attend all follow-up appointments: Regular monitoring helps reduce the risk of future clotting events.
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
Yes. Bleeding is one of the most common adverse effects of Streptokinase. Minor bleeding or bruising may occur, but severe or persistent bleeding requires immediate medical attention. Contact your medical team immediately if you have heavy or continuous bleeding, unusual or extensive bruising, blood in your urine or stool, vomiting blood, or other signs of serious bleeding.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking before receiving Streptokinase. Anticoagulants and medicines that inhibit platelet function, such as aspirin, may increase the risk of bleeding and should only be used if specifically advised by your doctor. Do not start any new medicine without consulting your doctor or medical team.
Streptokinase starts working almost immediately after it is injected into the vein to dissolve the blood clot. Talk to your doctor for more details about your specific recovery timeline.
No, Streptokinase must be injected by a trained healthcare professional in a hospital or specialized clinic where you can be closely monitored. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about where your treatment will take place.
Streptokinase is generally avoided during pregnancy unless it is a life-saving emergency, as it carries a risk of bleeding for both mother and baby. Talk to your doctor to understand the risks and benefits.
The active effects of Streptokinase on your body's clotting system can last for several hours to a day after the infusion is stopped. Talk to your doctor to learn more about post-treatment monitoring.
The most serious risk associated with Streptokinase is severe internal bleeding, including bleeding in the brain. Your medical team will monitor you constantly during treatment to minimise this risk. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Your body can develop defence proteins (antibodies) against Streptokinase after you receive it, making a second dose less effective or more likely to cause allergic reactions if given within 5 days to 12 months. Talk to your doctor if you have received this medicine in the past.
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