💉 Streptokinase Injection 750,000 IU
🔹 1. Prescription / Indication:
Streptokinase 750,000 IU is a thrombolytic (clot-dissolving agent) prescribed for:
- Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) — especially within the first 6 hours
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Arterial thrombosis or embolism
- Occluded arteriovenous cannulae or shunts
- Acute peripheral arterial thrombosis
🔴 Use is limited to hospital/emergency settings, under strict medical supervision, due to the risk of bleeding.
🔹 2. Description:
- Form: Lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder for injection
- Strength: 750,000 International Units (IU) per vial
- Reconstitution: With sterile water for injection (usually 5 mL)
- Appearance: White to off-white powder; forms a clear solution when reconstituted
- Route: Intravenous (IV) infusion or sometimes intra-arterial
🔹 3. Advantages:
- Rapid clot dissolution in emergency thrombotic conditions
- Reduces mortality in acute myocardial infarction when used early
- Restores blood flow in occluded vessels
- Widely available and cost-effective compared to newer agents
🔹 4. Nature / Pharmacological Class:
- Class: Thrombolytic / Fibrinolytic agent
- Type: Enzyme produced by Streptococci
- Mechanism of Action:
- Binds to plasminogen and converts it to plasmin
- Plasmin breaks down fibrin, dissolving clots
🔹 5. Common Packaging:
- Vials containing 750,000 IU of lyophilized powder
- May come with a separate ampoule of sterile water for injection
- Also available in other strengths: 250,000 IU, 1,500,000 IU
🔹 6. Storage:
- Store at 2°C to 8°C (refrigerated)
- Protect from light
- Once reconstituted:
- Use immediately or within 8 hours (as per manufacturer)
- Do not freeze reconstituted solution
- Discard unused portion after opening
🔹 7. Patient Advice / Counseling Points:
As Streptokinase is used in emergency/hospital settings, patients may not administer it themselves. However, they or caregivers should be aware of:
- High risk of bleeding – inform if you have:
- Active internal bleeding
- Recent surgery or trauma
- Stroke history
- Bleeding disorders or peptic ulcer
- Allergic reactions may occur, especially in patients previously treated with streptokinase
- Monitor for signs of:
- Bleeding (e.g., from gums, urine, stool)
- Hypotension or fever
- Anaphylaxis or rash
- Avoid intramuscular injections or invasive procedures for 24 hours post-administration
🔹 8. Purpose / Use:
- Break down clots quickly to restore blood flow
- Life-saving in heart attacks, strokes, and embolic conditions
- Used when mechanical removal of clots is not possible or delayed