Included In This Lesson
Study Tools
Drug Card Alteplase (tPA, Activase)
(Cheat Sheet)
Blank Drug Card Template
(Cheat Sheet)
Outline
Generic Name
Alteplase
Trade Name
tPA, Activase
Indication
MI, acute ischemic stroke, occluded central lines
Action
Converts plasminogen to plasmin which degrades the fibrin found in clots
Therapeutic Class
Thrombolytics
Pharmacologic Class
Plasminogen activators
Nursing Considerations
• Contraindicated in active bleeding
• Monitor closely for signs of bleeding (petechiae)
○ q 15 min X1hr o q 15-30 min X 8 hr
• Use caution with patient who have had recent surgery
• May cause intracranial hemorrhage
• Monitor for anaphylaxis
• Use caution with uncontrolled hypertension
• Assess neuro status during therapy
Tarang Patel, DNP-NA, RN, CCRN, RPh 
Nichole Weaver, MSN/Ed, RN, CCRN 
Miriam Wahrman, MSN/Ed, RNC-MNN 
Kara Tarr, BSN, RN 
Nacole Riccaboni, MSN, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CMC