Streptokinase
Streptokinase (STK) is a thrombolytic medication used to dissolve blood clots (thrombolysis) in human body.[1] Streptokinase is used mainly treat heart attacks (myocardial infarction). There are 2 main types of heart attacks. STEMI and non-STEMI and Streptokinase is only used in STEMI type heart attacks after confirming with an ECG.[2] It is given as an injection into a vein.
Uses
[change | change source]- Heart attack (STEMI Type)
- Pulmonary embolism - Blood clots in arteries of Lungs
- Arterial thromboembolism - Blood clots formed in arteries[3]
Side effects
[change | change source]Common side effects of Streptokinase are;
- Nausea
- Bleeding tendency
- Low blood pressure
- Allergic reactions
It is not recommended to use streptokinase during the lifetime of a person more than once due to the risk of developing allergic reactions.[3]
Discovery
[change | change source]Streptokinase was discovered in 1933 by American microbiologist, William S. Tillett, from a bacteria known as beta-hemolytic streptococci.[1] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[4] Streptokinase is no longer used in hospitals to treat heart attacks in many countries including United States. This is because it has been replaced by a medication called Tenecteplase, which has less side effects.[5]
References
[change | change source]- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sikri, Nikhil; Bardia, Amit (2007). "A History of Streptokinase Use in Acute Myocardial Infarction". Texas Heart Institute Journal. 34 (3): 318–327. ISSN 0730-2347. PMC 1995058. PMID 17948083.
- ↑ "Streptokinase 1,500,000 iu - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc)". www.medicines.org.uk. Archived from the original on 2016-12-20. Retrieved 2020-09-21.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Organization, World Health; Stuart, Marc C.; Kouimtzi, Maria; Hill, Suzanne (2009). WHO model formulary 2008. World Health Organization. hdl:10665/44053. ISBN 978-92-4-154765-9.
- ↑ Organization, World Health (2019). "World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 21st list 2019". hdl:10665/325771.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ↑ "Streptokinase Intravenous, Intracoronary Advanced Patient Information". Drugs.com. Retrieved 2020-09-21.