# Thrombolytic --- **Thrombolytics** are a type of [[medicine]] that break down [[thrombus|blood clots]] that have already formed. They should not be confused with [[anticoagulants|blood thinners]], because they can't be used prophylactically. ## Adverse Reactions The major side effect of thrombolytics is bleeding. They should be used very carefully for patients already on blood thinners or who have known (or suspected) recent bleeds. ## Contraindications - Active bleeding - History of [[hemorrhagic stroke]] - recent surgery - active gastric ulcer requiring active treatment ## Examples - [[Tissue plasminogen activator]] or **tPA** (brand name: **Alteplase**) is a synthetic version of an enzyme that our body makes this naturally, so we just make a synthetic version. ___