1. Drug class: Fibrinolytic agent.
2. Dose: 250,000 units.
3. Available dose: 1.5MU in 1ml (10ml vial).
4. Administration
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Administer intrapleurally Streptokinase as a solution of 250,000 units dissolved in a 100 ml of normal saline via chest tube. |
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Then clamp the tube for 3 to 4 hours. |
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After instillation, instruct the patients to shift position every 15 minutes to promote an even distribution of the drug. |
5. Duration: Daily for up to 3 days (until drainage <100ml/day) or as instructed by clinician
6. Storage: Store unopened vials at controlled room temperature (15-30°C or 59-86°F). Do not store the reconstituted solution for more than 24 hours in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C.
7. Adverse Effects
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Bleeding. |
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Fever and shivering. |
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Respiratory depression. |
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Transient elevation of serum transaminase. |
8. Contraindications
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Active internal bleeding. |
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Recent (within 2 months) cerebrovascular accident, intracranial or intraspinal injury. |
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Intracranial neoplasm. |
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Severe uncontrolled hypertension. |
Further Readings:
1. Laisaar, T., Püttsepp, E., & Laisaar, V. (1996). Early administration of intrapleural streptokinase in the treatment of multiloculated pleural effusions and pleural empyemas. The Thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, 44(05), 252-256.
