Generic name: Streptokinase [ strep-toe-KYE-nase ]
Drug class: Thrombolytics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 23, 2024.

Uses of Streptokinase:

• It is used to treat a heart attack.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Streptokinase?

• If you are allergic to streptokinase; any part of streptokinase; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Kidney disease or liver disease.
• If you are taking a blood thinner.
• If you have any of these health problems: Brain problems like aneurysm, growths, or tumors; high blood pressure; pancreatitis; recent bleeding; recent head injury; or some heart problems like endocarditis or pericarditis.
• If you have a tumor with a risk of bleeding.
• If you have active bleeding.
• If you have bleeding problems.
• If you have recently had a blood vessel fixed, brain blood vessel problems, brain surgery, spinal surgery, or major surgery or procedures.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with streptokinase.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take streptokinase with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Streptokinase?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take streptokinase. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Take acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) as you have been told by your doctor.
• This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using streptokinase while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Streptokinase) best taken?

Use streptokinase as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Fast or slow heartbeat.
• Flushing.
• Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Fever or chills.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Streptokinase?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Diarrhea.
• Belly pain.
• Headache.
• Back pain.
• Muscle pain.
• Feeling tired or weak.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Streptokinase?

• If you need to store streptokinase at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about streptokinase, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer