urokinase

n.
An enzyme in human urine that catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin and is used in medicine to dissolve blood clots.

An enzyme that is a plasminogen activator. Urokinase cleaves the plasma protein plasminogen, forming the active enzyme plasmin, which subsequently degrades fibrin. Thus urokinase is an essential component in the fibrinolytic clot-dissolving system in the human body. See also Fibrinogen.

Urokinase is found in human urine and in much lower concentrations in human plasma. In the body, urokinase is produced by kidney cells, and its presence in the urine promotes the dissolution of any blood clots in the urine-collecting system of the kidneys or the bladder. Urokinase is also produced by a variety of tumor cells, and it is thought to be involved in the formation of tumor metastases. Urokinase can be inhibited by plasma inhibitor proteins. The presence of cell receptors and inhibitors suggests that the regulation of urokinase function is complex.

Urokinase is employed in clinical medicine in the treatment of venous blood clots (thrombophlebitis and pulmonary emboli), acute myocardial infarction, and arterial blood clots in the legs and arms. It is also used to prevent the accumulation of blood clots in intravenous catheters used to administer long-term chemotherapy. See also Blood; Enzyme; Plasmin.

---

n

An enzyme produced in the kidney and found in urine that is a potent plasminogen activator of the fibrinolytic system. A pharmaceutic preparation of urokinase is administered intravenously in the treatment of pulmonary embolism.

Brand names: Abbokinase®

Español:
• Uroquinasa, Solución para inyección

Urokinase Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

UROKINASE breaks-up blood clots. It is used to treat large blood clots formed in the lungs.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•aneurysm
•bleeding problems or problems with blood clotting
•blood vessel disease or damaged blood vessels
•diabetic retinopathy
•head injury or tumor
•high blood pressure
•infection
•irregular heartbeats
•recent biopsy or surgery
•an unusual or allergic reaction to urokinase, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
•aminocaproic acid
•aprotinin
•tranexamic acid

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
•antiinflammatory drugs, NSAIDs like ibuprofen
•aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
•dipyridamole
•drotrecogin alfa
•fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) supplements
•ginkgo
•medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

This medicine contains albumin from human blood. It may be possible to pass an infection in this medicine. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonprescription pain relievers for several days after receiving this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•blue color to lips or nailbeds
•breathing problems
•changes in vision
•chest pain or tightness
•dark urine, stools, or vomit
•fast, irregular heartbeat
•fever, chills
•nausea, vomiting
•trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
•unusual bleeding, bruising, or purple spots on the skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•feeling faint or lightheaded

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

An enzyme in urine that causes fibrinolysis.

An enzyme found in the urine of humans and other mammals which is secreted by kidney parenchymal cells and converts plasminogen to plasmin and activates the fibrinolytic system; used as a fibrinolytic agent.

This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)