How stroke medications work There are several kinds of medications that doctors may administer or prescribe to a stroke patient: tPA, a clot buster; blood thinners; and drugs that lower high blood pressure and cholesterol. Show Thrombolytic drugs such as tPA are often called clot busters. tPA is short for tissue plasminogen activator and can only be given to patients who are having a stroke caused by a blood clot (ischemic stroke). It can stop a stroke by breaking up the blood clot. It must be given as soon as possible and within 4½ hours after stroke symptoms start.* Receiving tPA can reduce the severity of a stroke and reverse some of the effects, helping you recover more quickly. In some cases, tPA cannot be used and other treatments are required. * In 1999, Health Canada approved the clot-busting drug called tPA to be used within 3 hours from the time stroke symptoms begin. Since that time, considerable evidence shows that tPA could be effective up to 4½ hours from the time symptoms begin. As a result, the Heart and Stroke Foundation has issued updated Canadian Stroke Best Practices Recommendations to include this longer possible treatment time. It will be up to the attending doctors to determine when tPA may be administered and if it is appropriate. Blood thinnersThere are two kinds of blood thinners: antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants. Antiplatelet drugs If you are taking a blood thinner, you are at risk of bleeding more than usual if you injure yourself. Be sure to tell your doctor and dentist that you take a blood thinner. Learn more about antiplatelet drugs (acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), clopidogrel, ticlopidine) Anticoagulants
Generally, people who have high blood pressure, had a recent brain injury, or are prone to falls or abuse alcohol are not prescribed an anticoagulant. If you are prescribed an anticoagulant, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. You may have to periodically have your blood tested to see how long it takes for it to clot. Try to avoid injuries because the anticoagulant may cause you to bleed more if you cut or bruise yourself. Tell all healthcare providers including your dentist that you are on anticoagulants. Learn more about anticoagulants. Blood pressure lowering medicationsKnown as antihypertensives, these medications treat high blood pressure. There are many different kinds of blood pressure-lowering drugs. Your doctor will work with you to find the drug, or combination of drugs, that is best for you. Some antihypertensives include:
Your doctor may ask you to change your diet, lose weight or become more active to lower your cholesterol. Your doctor may also prescribe medication. Drugs that lower cholesterol include:
Some stroke medications treat stroke and some help prevent it. They all work in different ways. Some may help lower your blood pressure, reduce the level of cholesterol in your blood or help your body get rid of excess fluids that make it difficult for your heart to pump blood. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find out exactly how and when to take your medication. Here are some general tips to help you take your medication properly: Take as prescribed Know what you’re taking Stick to a routine Avoid mixing prescription medications with over-the counter drugs Talk to your pharmacist Report side effects Lifestyle changes When you are in the hospital, your provincial health plan pays for all of your medications. When you return home, however, you will have to pay for them either individually or through a provincial or private drug plan. If you need financial help to pay for your medications, you may discuss your situation with your workplace human resources department, a union representative, a social worker, a provincial or private health insurance program representative or a pharmacist. Visit your ministry of health to learn more about the drug benefit programs in your province or territory. Visit Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association to learn more about private supplementary health insurance, which may cover some of your prescription drugs or medical expenses. Related informationHealth Canada provides health and medical information to help Canadians maintain and improve their health. Learn more about Safe Use of Medicines, Safety and Effectiveness of Generic Drugs and Buying Drugs over the Internet. Drug Product Database provides information about drugs approved for use in Canada. MedEffect Canada provides safety alerts, public health advisories, warnings and recalls. Your ministry of health also provides useful health resources in your province or territory. For example, Ontario has a MedsCheck program providing free pharmacist consultations on safety use of drugs. British Columbia has a Senior Healthcare webpage providing information about important health programs. What are the side effects of tissue plasminogen activator?Advertisement. Bleeding from puncture sites and wounds.. coughing up blood.. difficulty with breathing or swallowing.. headache.. increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding.. nosebleeds.. paralysis.. prolonged bleeding from cuts.. Which of the following is the most common side effect of tissue plasminogen activator tPA?Because TPA is a powerful blood thinner, the main side effect is bleeding. Bleeding is a serious complication that can result in a hemorrhagic stroke, which is often more serious than an ischemic stroke.
Which of the following is an immediate side effect of RtPA?RtPA is undoubtedly an effective drug in clinic[7, 8] while its common well-known side effects are bleeding[9], reperfusion injury with edema, and angioedema after clot dissolving[9, 10].
What are the potential adverse side effects of tPA select all that apply?What are the side effects of alteplase (TPA, Activase, Cathflo Activase)?. Pulmonary embolism.. Cholesterol embolism.. Abnormal heartbeats.. Allergic reactions.. Re-embolization of deep DVT venous thrombi during treatment of acute massive pulmonary embolism.. Angioedema.. |