Rapilysin

Generic Name: Reteplase
Product Name: Rapilysin

Indication

This drug is used as thrombolytic (clot dissolving) therapy of acute myocardial infarction or heart attack (usually within 6 hours after the onset of symptoms).

Action

• Reteplase is a recombinant plasminogen activator that catalyses the cleavage of endogenous plasminogen to generate plasmin.
• Plasmin is an endogenous agent that degrades fibrin and finrinogen which are the major components of thrombi (a clot in the blood vessels).
• This degradation of fibrin and fibrinogen breaks down the thrombus thus improving circulation (thereby restoring blood flow).

Dose advice

• Reteplase should be administered as a 10 + 10 U (unit) double bolus injection via an intravenous line.
• Each bolus is administered as slow intravenous injections of no longer than two minutes.
• The second bolus should be administered 30 minutes after the first bolus.

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

• haemorrhage or bleeding
• hypotension or low blood pressure

Uncommon side effects

• bleeding: gastrointestinal, gingival, urinary, cerebral
• allergic reactions
• irregular heart rhythms
• shock
• nausea
• vomiting
• fever
• eye haemorrhage
• local reaction at injection site

For further information talk to your doctor.