Streptokinase 917920 222654408 2008-06-30T13:26:31Z Skysmith 6995 refix '''Streptokinase''' is an extracellular metallo-[[enzyme]] produced by beta-haemolytic [[streptococcus]] and is used as an effective and cheap [[clot]]-dissolving [[medication]] in some cases of [[myocardial infarction]] (heart attack) and [[pulmonary embolism]]. It belongs to a group of medications known as [[fibrinolytics]], and works by activating [[plasminogen]] through cleavage to produce [[plasmin]]. The half life of streptokinase is approximately 20 minutes (quoted in SPC). ==Mechanism of action== Plasmin is produced in the [[blood]] to break down the major constituent of blood clots [[fibrin]], therefore dissolving clots once they have fulfilled their purpose in stopping bleeding. Extra production of plasmin caused by streptokinase breaks down unwanted blood clots, for example, in the [[lungs]] (pulmonary embolism). Streptokinase forms a complex in the plasma with plasminogen to form an activator complex. This complex then forms plasmin from unbound plasminogen.<ref>Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine, 6th Edition.</ref> ==Administration== It is given [[intravenously]] as soon as possible after the onset of a heart attack (acute phase - myocardial infarction) to dissolve clots in the [[arteries]] of the heart wall. This reduces the amount of damage to the heart muscle. Streptokinase is a [[bacterium|bacteria]]l product so the body will build up an immunity to it. It is recommended that this medication should not be used again after four days from the first administration, as it may not be as effective and can also cause an [[allergic reaction]]. For this reason, it is usually given only for a person's first heart attack. Further thrombotic events could be treated with [[Tissue plasminogen activator|tPA]]. Overdose of Streptokinase or [[Tissue plasminogen activator|tPA]] can be treated with [[Aminocaproic acid]]. ==Marketing== It is marketed in Chile as '''Streptase''' by Alpes Selection, under license of ZLB Behring from [[Marburg]], [[Germany]]. {{Unreferenced|date=January 2008}} {{Antithrombotics}} {{Serine endopeptidases}} [[Category:Drugs]] [[cs:Streptokináza]] [[de:Streptokinase]] [[ja:ストレプトキナーゼ]] [[pl:Streptokinaza]] [[ru:Стрептокиназа]]