Drugs used to dissolve blood clots and to open blood vessels. Thrombolytic drugs are used in the treatment of blood clots within blood vessels in the heart and lungs and in clotting associated with hip replacement. Thrombolytic drugs are also used to prevent clotting when tubes are placed in the body. If given within 3 to 6 hours after a heart attack, the drugs help to increase survival.
Also known as fibrinolytic medications, this category of drugs is employed for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), as well as thrombosis and embolism where a blood vessel is obstructed by a blood clot. Thrombolytic drugs function within blood vessels to dissolve clots. They are administered through intravenous means and need to be promptly administered to ensure efficacy. Potential side effects encompass abnormal bleeding and allergic reactions.