What side effects does thrombolytic therapy have?

Thrombolytic therapy, also known as fibrinolytic therapy, is a medical treatment that involves using medications to dissolve blood clots. While it is generally effective, it can have several potential side effects, including:

Bleeding: Thrombolytic medications work by breaking down blood clots, which can increase the risk of bleeding. This can occur at various sites in the body, such as the skin, nose, gums, gastrointestinal tract, or urinary tract. In severe cases, bleeding can lead to complications like intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) or even death.

Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): Thrombolytic therapy can cause a drop in blood pressure due to the vasodilatory effects of the medications used. This can be especially problematic in patients with underlying cardiovascular conditions.

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the thrombolytic medications, ranging from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis.

Rebound Thrombosis: In rare cases, thrombolytic therapy can paradoxically lead to the formation of new blood clots. This is known as rebound thrombosis and can occur if the underlying cause of the initial clot is not adequately addressed.

Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Thrombolytic therapy may increase the risk of myocardial infarction in patients with unstable angina or recent heart attacks. This is because the sudden restoration of blood flow to a blocked artery can cause damage to the heart muscle.

Stroke: Thrombolytic therapy can rarely lead to stroke, particularly in patients with underlying cerebrovascular disease or if the treatment is not appropriately monitored.

Other Side Effects: Thrombolytic therapy can also cause a range of other side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, fever, and local reactions at the injection site.

It is important to note that the specific side effects and their severity can vary depending on the individual patient's health condition and the specific thrombolytic medication used. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to carefully monitor patients during thrombolytic therapy and promptly manage any adverse effects that may occur.