UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Alteplase for Pulmonary Embolism

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: alteplase, pulmonary embolism (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/6/2019 by Wesley Oliver
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Alteplase may be considered in some patients with a presumed or confirmed pulmonary embolism.  Below is a list of the different patient populations and the associated alteplase dosing.

-Hemodynamically Stable/Submassive: Alteplase usually not indicated.

-Hemodynamically Unstable/Massive: Alteplase IV 100 mg as an infusion over 2 hours.

-Cardiac Arrest: Alteplase IV/IO 50 mg bolus over 2 minutes.  Can repeat a second 50 mg bolus 15 minutes later if unable to achieve return of spontaneous circulation.

References

Alteplase. Lexicomp. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc. Available at: https://www.uptodate.com. Accessed on July 6, 2019.

 

Kearon C, Aki EA, Comerota AJ, et al. Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest 2012;141:e419-e496S.

 

Kearon C, Aki EA, Ornelas J, et al. Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: CHEST guideline and expert panel report. Chest 2016;149:315-352.

 

Lavonas EJ, Drennan IR, Gabrielli A, et al. Part 10: Special circumstances of resuscitation: 2015 American Heart Association guidelines update for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Circulation. 2015;132:S501-S518.