Plasminogen activators are substances that belong to the group of fibrinolytic drugs. They are able to stimulate the formation of plasmin, an enzyme that protects the body from the formation of any occlusion within blood vessels. If this occurs, it can destroy some structures present in the blood such as fibrin (protein used in blood clotting) and thrombi (solid masses formed from fibrin, platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells, which can form in the blood vessels). The human body does not directly produce plasmin, but one of its inactive precursors known as plasminogen, activates various substances.
The dosage of plasminogen activators in the human body are essential for controlling fibrinolysis or dissolving fibrin lattice (the protein responsible for blood clotting), which forms as a consequence of blood coagulation. Fibrinolysis ensures that, following arrest hemorrhage; blood clots that can occlude the vessels are not formed, in turn preventing thrombosis.
What are plasminogen activators?
Plasminogen activators are used to treat severe cardiovascular diseases such as pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis and myocardial infarction.
How should plasminogen activators be taken?
Plasminogen activators are administered intravenously. Their elimination is renal.
Side effects associated with plasminogen activators
Among the most common side effects caused by use of these drugs include bleeding – in case of simultaneous intake with other anticoagulants or in case of overdosing.
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of plasminogen activators
The use of these drugs increases the effect of other anticoagulants that are taken simultaneously.
