Actilyse Cathflo (Alteplase)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Actilyse Cathflo Used For?
Actilyse Cathflo contains alteplase, which belongs to a group of medicines called thrombolytic agents. It is specifically designed to help clear blocked catheters.
Primary Uses
Actilyse Cathflo is used to clear catheters that have become blocked by blood clots.
How It Works
It works by dissolving the blood clots that are blocking the catheters, restoring normal function.
How Actilyse Cathflo Is Given
Actilyse Cathflo will be prepared and given to you by your doctor or healthcare professional. It is not for self-administration and comes as a powder that must be mixed with sterile water before use.
Dosage Instructions
For patients weighing 30 kg or more, the maximum recommended dose is 2 mg. For patients weighing less than 30 kg, a lower dose (not exceeding 2 mg total) is recommended based on the catheter’s internal volume. The solution is filled into the blocked catheter and left for 30 minutes. If the catheter isn’t cleared, it may remain for another 90 minutes. The procedure may be repeated once if needed.
Administration Process
Your doctor will fill the appropriate dose into the blocked catheter. After 30 minutes, they will check if the blockage has cleared. If not cleared, the medicine stays in the catheter for another 90 minutes. After treatment, the medicine is removed and the catheter is rinsed with sterile saline solution.
Important: This medicine is only administered by healthcare professionals and should not be mixed with other medicines.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Infection of the blood (sepsis) with symptoms like fever, chills, headache, confusion, and rapid breathing
- Bleeding from stomach or intestine (vomiting blood, bleeding from back passage, black sticky bowel motions)
- Bleeding from the nose
- Bleeding from injection site
- Allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, hives)
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Actilyse Cathflo should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Receive Actilyse Cathflo
You should not receive this medicine if you are allergic to alteplase or any other ingredients. It must not be used to clear blocked catheters in preterm babies.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: bleeding in any part of the body, bleeding disorders, severe liver or kidney disease, any condition where bleeding would be risky or difficult to manage. Also inform them if in the past 48 hours you have had surgery, delivered a baby, had a biopsy, or had skin puncture procedures.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Elderly Patients: If you are over 65 years of age with conditions that increase bleeding risk, you may have an increased chance of side effects.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Actilyse Cathflo and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare professional about all medicines you are taking.
- Blood-thinning medicines (antiplatelets like aspirin)
- Anticoagulants (such as heparin and warfarin)
- ACE inhibitors (used for high blood pressure and heart conditions)
- Any other medicines to prevent blood clots
Alcohol & Driving
No specific information about alcohol consumption or driving restrictions was provided in the source material.
Storage
Actilyse Cathflo comes as a sterile, white to off-white powder in a clear glass vial. It must be stored properly and mixed with sterile water for injections before use. When mixed, the solution becomes colorless to pale yellow.
Overdose Information
Overdose is unlikely because Actilyse Cathflo is administered under medical supervision. However, symptoms of overdose may include bleeding. In case of serious bleeding, your doctor will immediately stop treatment, remove the medicine from the catheter, and start appropriate treatment to control bleeding and replace lost blood if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor will check if the blocked catheter has been cleared after 30 minutes. If not cleared, the medicine may remain in the catheter for another 90 minutes.
No, Actilyse Cathflo must be prepared and administered by your doctor or healthcare professional. It is not for self-administration.
Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you do not feel well while receiving Actilyse Cathflo.
No, this medicine must not be used to clear blocked catheters in preterm babies as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
If the catheter is still blocked after your first treatment, the whole procedure may be repeated once.
Yes, if you are over 65 years of age with conditions known to increase bleeding risk, you may have an increased chance of getting side effects.
Tell your doctor about any bleeding disorders, recent surgeries, allergies, pregnancy/breastfeeding status, and all medicines you are taking including blood thinners.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.