Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Contraindications for Thrombolytics?

Andrea Cross
Andrea Cross

Thrombolytics are drugs that dissolve clots in the blood. These clots can block arteries, preventing oxygen from getting to tissues in the body and causing damage. The drugs are commonly used as emergency treatment in conditions such as heart attack and stroke. Thrombolytics cannot, however, be used in every circumstance. Contraindications for thrombolytics, or situations where the use of these drugs is not advisable, can be either absolute or relative.

Absolute contraindications mean that the drugs should not be administered to the patient. The risk of the patient taking these drugs outweighs any positive effect that the drugs might have. Absolute contraindications for thrombolytics include if the patient has active internal bleeding or a suspected aortic dissection. As the patient in these situations is already bleeding heavily, or has the potential to bleed, medications that prevent blood from clotting could be life threatening.

Patients with peptic ulcer disease and other conditions may experience complications from drugs that dissolve blood clots.
Patients with peptic ulcer disease and other conditions may experience complications from drugs that dissolve blood clots.

Other situations where the drugs should be avoided include if the patient has undergone traumatic cardiopulmonary resuscitation or has had an intercranial condition, such as injury, tumor, or aneurysm, in the previous six months. The extent of the damage in these conditions is often not known for a number of months, and thrombolytic drugs could result in internal bleeding. Thrombolytic drugs should also not be given to patients who have severe hypertension, are pregnant, or have undergone major surgery in the previous two weeks. Finally, under no circumstances should the drugs be given to patients who have had a previous allergic reaction.

Clots in the blood can block arteries, preventing oxygen from getting to tissues in the body and causing damage.
Clots in the blood can block arteries, preventing oxygen from getting to tissues in the body and causing damage.

Relative contraindications for thrombolytics include situations where giving the drug to the patient can have significant risk, but this risk can be outweighed by the potential benefit. Doctors decide these situations on an individual basis. Relative contraindications for thrombolytics include if the patient has a known bleeding disorder such as hemophilia or is currently using anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin, which reduce the ability of the blood to clot. Patients with peptic ulcer disease, renal disease, or diabetic retinopathy are also contraindicated for thrombolytics due to bleeding complications; however, these risks may be outweighed by the need for the drug.

Thrombolytics are commonly used as emergency treatment for heart attack and stroke.
Thrombolytics are commonly used as emergency treatment for heart attack and stroke.

Other relative contraindications for thrombolytics include a recent trauma to the patient or a major surgery performed in the previous two months. Patients whose blood pressure was very high but is currently controlled may also be considered candidates for the drugs if they are otherwise in good health. Finally, patients who have suffered cerebrovascular accidents in the past can be given the drugs but must be closely supervised to make sure there are no ill effects.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Patients with peptic ulcer disease and other conditions may experience complications from drugs that dissolve blood clots.
      By: rob3000
      Patients with peptic ulcer disease and other conditions may experience complications from drugs that dissolve blood clots.
    • Clots in the blood can block arteries, preventing oxygen from getting to tissues in the body and causing damage.
      By: Alexandr Mitiuc
      Clots in the blood can block arteries, preventing oxygen from getting to tissues in the body and causing damage.
    • Thrombolytics are commonly used as emergency treatment for heart attack and stroke.
      By: olly
      Thrombolytics are commonly used as emergency treatment for heart attack and stroke.
    • Thrombolytics should be avoided if the patient was recently treated for an aneurysm.
      By: joshya
      Thrombolytics should be avoided if the patient was recently treated for an aneurysm.
    • Those who have peptic ulcers may experience pain and bleeding if they are prescribed thrombolytics.
      By: auremar
      Those who have peptic ulcers may experience pain and bleeding if they are prescribed thrombolytics.
    • Thrombolytics should not be given to a patient with a known clotting disorder, because of the risk of severe, uncontrolled bleeding.
      By: Monika Wisniewska
      Thrombolytics should not be given to a patient with a known clotting disorder, because of the risk of severe, uncontrolled bleeding.