What is urokinase-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Urokinase is a thrombolytic medication made from
human neonatal kidney cells. Urokinase is an enzyme (protein) that disrupts the
clotting cycle and breaks down blood clots lodged in the lungs in people with
pulmonary embolism. The FDA approved urokinase under the brand name Kinlytic in
2007.
Is urokinase-injection available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Not in U.S.
Do I need a prescription for urokinase-injection?
Yes
What are the side effects of urokinase-injection?
Side effects of urokinase are bleeding, decreased hematocrit,
chest pain, increased heart rate, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and
anaphylaxis reactions.
What is the dosage for urokinase-injection?
Administer a loading dose of 4400 international units per kg
intravenously over 10 minutes, followed by a continuous administration of 4400
international units per kg per hour intravenously for 12 hours. Repeat as
necessary.
Safe and effective use of urokinase is not established for children.
Which drugs or supplements interact with urokinase-injection?
Urokinase should be used with caution with other
medications that alter platelet function and increase risk of bleeding.
Medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn),
warfarin (Coumadin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), clopidogrel (Plavix), and cilostazol
(Pletal) should be used with caution with urokinase.
Is urokinase-injection safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies done on urokinase to determine safe
and effective use in pregnant women. Urokinase should be only used if clearly
needed.
It is not known whether urokinase enters breast milk. It is
best to be cautious before using it in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about urokinase-injection?
What preparations of urokinase-injection are available?
Urokinase available as sterile, lyophilized powder for solution
for intravenous administration. Each vial contains 250,000 international units
of urokinase activity.
How should I keep urokinase-injection stored?
Store urokinase vials in the fridge between 2 C to 8 C (36 F to 46
F).