urokinase at a glance
Medicine class
Thrombolytic plasminogen activator
Usual role
Dissolves selected clots in blood vessels or vascular access devices
Administration
Given by healthcare professionals through a vein, artery or directly into a blocked line
Key risk
Bleeding, particularly from wounds, puncture sites or internally
What is urokinase used for?
UK-licensed uses are the breakdown of blood clots in:
Thrombosed intravascular catheters and cannulae
Extensive acute proximal deep-vein thrombosis
Acute massive pulmonary embolism
Acute occlusive peripheral arterial disease causing limb-threatening ischaemia
How does urokinase work?
Urokinase converts plasminogen into plasmin. Plasmin breaks down fibrin, the protein framework that holds a blood clot together, allowing the clot to dissolve.
How to take urokinase
Urokinase is restricted to hospital use and is prepared and administered by trained healthcare professionals. Depending on the condition, it may be given by intravenous infusion, into an artery or directly into a blocked catheter or cannula. It must not be injected under the skin or into a muscle.
The powder is reconstituted with sodium chloride solution for injection.
It must not be mixed with other medicines.
Eating and drinking do not affect administration.
urokinase side effects
Common or expected effects
- Bleeding or oozing from puncture sites and wounds
- Nosebleeds, bleeding gums or microscopic blood in the urine
- Fever or chills
- Reduced haematocrit without obvious bleeding
- Temporary increases in liver transaminases
Get urgent medical advice
- Major internal bleeding, including gastrointestinal, intracranial or retroperitoneal bleeding
- Stroke or an embolism caused by displaced clot fragments
- Severe allergic reaction with breathing difficulty, low blood pressure or swelling
- Kidney failure
urokinase in pregnancy
Experience during pregnancy is limited. Urokinase should not be used during pregnancy or immediately after childbirth unless a specialist considers it clearly necessary; recent obstetric delivery is listed as a contraindication.
urokinase while breastfeeding
It is not known whether urokinase passes into breast milk. The product information advises avoiding breastfeeding during treatment, so specialist advice is needed.
urokinase interactions
Medicines and agents that affect bleeding or fibrinolysis require particular review.
Anticoagulants, including heparin and oral anticoagulants
Concurrent use can increase the risk of haemorrhage.
Antiplatelets and other medicines affecting platelets
Aspirin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, dextrans and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines may increase bleeding risk.
Other thrombolytics
Combining clot-dissolving treatments may increase bleeding risk.
Common questions about urokinase
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is urokinase a clot-busting treatment?
Yes. It is a thrombolytic that activates plasmin, an enzyme that breaks down fibrin within clots.
Can urokinase unblock a catheter or cannula?
Yes. Clearing thrombosed intravascular catheters and cannulae is a licensed use.
Which serious blood clots can urokinase treat?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.