| Common Brands | Cathflo Activase |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Thrombolytic (Fibrinolytic) Agent |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Cathflo Activase is the brand name for a drug known as alteplase, which is a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA). It is only used to treat occlusions of central venous catheters and other types of indwelling catheters that are used to access blood. This is a drug that is typically used in patients who develop a blockage due to the formation of a clot inside the catheter, potentially leading to complications such as decreased or total blockage of blood flow.
Alteplase functions by dissolving the fibrin protein responsible for clotting and thus re-establishing the catheter blood flow. It is a thrombolytic agent that has both adult and pediatric applications, where it helps in maintaining catheter patency and ensuring the proper function of the catheter. It is very crucial for patients who depend on long-term catheters for treatment, such as chemotherapy, dialysis, or parenteral nutrition.
Cathflo Activase is a prescription only administered directly into the catheter. The procedure should be accomplished under the care of an experienced healthcare provider. Following is how to use the above medication:
Preparation :
Position the catheter in an appropriate manner. Obtain confirmation of occlusion (either through blood flow tests or visual observation of the catheter).
Preparation of the Cathflo Activase vial with appropriate sterility.
Administration
The health care provider will inject the prescribed amount of Cathflo Activase into the catheter.
The solution should be left in the catheter for a period of 30 to 120 minutes. This is the amount of time that will ensure the clot starts dissolving.
Post-Procedure:
Following the set duration, the catheter should be flushed using saline to ensure all the clot pieces have been removed, and the catheter remains patent.
If the occlusion has not been totally resolved, then the procedure could be performed again after several hours at the discretion of medical practitioners.
Precautions:
The use of Cathflo Activase should be watched, and the catheter should not be utilized for any other purpose when in the process of dissolution.
Cathflo Activase is an active ingredient that is a tissue plasminogen activator known by the generic name alteplase. This particular medicament acts on breaking up fibrin, an active component in blood clots. Here’s how it works.
Blood clots consist of primarily fibrin, which is a type of protein that binds other blood cells together to present as a solid mass; it is termed clotting. This action is significant for stopping the bleeding; however, at other times it can pose as a problem where it creates unwanted clots, even in a catheter inside your body.
Plasminogen Activation: Alteplase is a recombinant form of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which functions by converting plasminogen into plasmin. Plasmin is an enzyme that breaks down fibrin strands holding the clot together.
Clot Breakdown: After plasmin is activated, it degrades the fibrin in the clot, and it will break down. This will allow blood to flow freely again through the catheter since the obstruction is cleared.
Targeted Action: Since Cathflo Activase is administered directly into the catheter, it acts locally at the clot site, without interfering with the rest of the body, making it safer than systemic thrombolytic agents.
Common side effects associated with Cathflo Activase include:
Serious but rare side effects include:
Bleeding at the catheter insertion site or elsewhere in the body.
Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, though this is uncommon.
Any unusual symptoms or signs of bleeding should be reported immediately to a healthcare provider.
Active Bleeding: Cathflo Activase should not be used in patients with active internal bleeding or those at a high risk for bleeding (e.g., recent surgery, gastrointestinal bleeding, or significant trauma).
Recent Surgery or Injury: Patients who have had recent surgery or injury should be used with caution because of an increased risk of bleeding complications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Cathflo Activase has not been established for safety in pregnant or breastfeeding women. It should only be used in pregnancy if absolutely necessary and under strict medical supervision.
Alteplase Allergy: Patients with a known hypersensitivity to alteplase should not be administered Cathflo Activase.
Cathflo Activase is a localized treatment, and its interaction with other drugs is minimal when used in the context of catheter occlusions. However, important considerations include:
Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners): If the patient is already taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, aspirin, or other heparins, there may be a risk of increased bleeding from using Cathflo Activase. The use of blood thinners may interact with the use of Cathflo Activase if used in another area of the body. So it’s important to watch for signs of bleeding.
Systemic Thrombolytics: Adding Cathflo Activase to other thrombolytic therapies, which includes heart attack or stroke therapeutic agents, can exacerbate the risk of hemorrhages and is typically used as a last resort unless a physician otherwise specifies.
Adult Patients: The usual dose for central venous catheter occlusion is 2 mg given through the catheter.
Pediatric Patients: The usual dose for pediatric patients is based on weight; the maximum dose is 2 mg
Cathflo Activase is a prescription-only drug and should be taken only under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Its use requires medical assessment and prescription, and it has to be administered in the healthcare setting or as guided by a medical professional.
Answer: Cathflo Activase is a clot-dissolving medication primarily used to restore function to clotted central venous catheters.
Answer: It contains alteplase, an enzyme that breaks down fibrin clots to clear blockages in catheters.
Answer: It is used when a central venous access device becomes occluded due to a blood clot.
Answer: It is delivered directly into the catheter as a small volume instillation and allowed to dwell for a specified time.
Answer: It generally restores catheter function within 30 minutes after instillation.
Answer: Yes, though rare, possible side effects include local irritation, allergic reactions, or bleeding complications.
Answer: It is approved for use in pediatric patients, but dosage and administration should be carefully managed by healthcare professionals.
Answer: If function is not restored after one dose, a repeat dose may be given, or alternative interventions should be considered.
Answer: Cathflo Activase is specifically formulated for catheter clearance and not intended for systemic thrombolytic therapy.
Answer: Yes, proper aseptic technique and patient assessment for bleeding risk are important before administration.
Answer: It should be refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F) and protected from light until reconstitution.
Answer: Once reconstituted, it should be used within 8 hours when stored under recommended conditions.
Answer: Caution is advised, as there may be increased bleeding risk; consult with a healthcare provider.
Answer: The active ingredient is alteplase, a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator.
Answer: Yes, patients with active internal bleeding or hypersensitivity to alteplase should not use it.
Answer: Use should be carefully evaluated by a healthcare professional weighing potential benefits and risks.
Answer: Repeated use may be necessary, but frequency depends on patient condition and catheter occlusion recurrence.
Answer: Contact medical personnel immediately as systemic thrombolysis can cause serious bleeding.
Answer: Studies show it successfully restores function in over 80% of occluded catheters within 30 minutes.
Answer: It is indicated for central venous catheters and not recommended for peripheral IV occlusions.
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