Alteplase Injection

pronounced as ( al′ te plase)

Brand Name(s): Activase®
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Why is this medicine prescribed?

Alteplase is used to dissolve blood clots that have formed in blood vessels. It is used to reduce the risk of death or heart problems in people having a heart attack and to treat patients with symptoms of a stroke or a clot in the lung(s). Alteplase is in a class of medications called thrombolytics. It works by helping the body to dissolve blood clots.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Alteplase comes as a powder to mix with liquid to be given intravenously (into a vein) over up to 3 hours by a healthcare provider. It is usually given as a single dose as soon possible after symptoms begin for heart attack or clot in your lung or stroke. If more than 3 hours have passed since stroke symptoms began, you may not be able to receive alteplase.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking alteplase,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to alteplase, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in alteplase injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take when receiving alteplase. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have had a stroke, a serious head injury, or surgery on your spine or brain or if you have problems in your brain such as bleeding, a tumor, arteriovenous malformation (AVM) (abnormal connection between arteries and veins), or aneurysm (weakening of a blood vessel wall). Also tell your doctor if you have very high blood pressure that is not controlled by medication or any condition that may cause an increased risk of bleeding or bruising. Your doctor will probably not give you alteplase.
  • tell your doctor if you have recently had surgery or a procedure; an injury; bleeding in your brain, stomach or intestines, or urinary tract; a serious infection due to a blood clot in a vein; or an infection of the lining around the heart or inside the heart. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had bleeding in the retina of your eyes, high blood pressure or liver or kidney disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What side effects can this medicine cause?

Alteplase may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • bleeding

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • itching, rash, hives
  • swelling of face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
  • trouble breathing, throat or chest tightness, feeling faint
  • vomiting blood or blood in the urine or stool
  • severe headache, nausea, vomiting
  • change in consciousness or wakefulness
  • weakness or numbness in face, arm or leg (usually on one side)
  • loss of vision
  • seizures

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone (

1-800-332-1088).

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to alteplase.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you received alteplase.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS ® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists ® , 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: February 15, 2025.