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Urokinase

Thrombolytic

Thrombolytic
CDSCO approvedSchedule H
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
12 major
incl. contraindicated
PREGNANCY
not curated
Top interactionssee all 12
  • Tranexamic AcidContraindicatedDatabaseDDInter
  • AbciximabSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • AcalabrutinibSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • ApixabanSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

The fibrinolytic system dissolves intravascular fibrin through the action of plasmin. Plasminogen activators convert single-chain plasminogen into two-chain plasmin by cleavage of a specific peptide bond. Urokinase is a plasminogen activator (u-PA) that promotes extravascular fibrinolysis by converting plasminogen into plasmin, which then degrades fibrin clots.

Indications

Deep-vein thrombosis (thromboembolic occlusive vascular disease)Pulmonary embolism (thromboembolic occlusive vascular disease)Occlusive peripheral arterial disease (thromboembolic occlusive vascular disease)Occluded central venous catheters (blocked by fibrin clots)Occluded arteriovenous haemodialysis shunts (blocked by fibrin clots)Occluded intravenous catheters and cannulas (blocked by fibrin clots)Acute myocardial infarctionDeep vein thrombosisPulmonary embolism

Dosing

Adult
Deep-vein thrombosis (thromboembolic occlusive vascular disease): By intravenous infusion, initially 4400 units/kg over 10–20 minutes, followed by 100 000 units/hour for 2–3 days. For SYNER-KINASE®, by intravenous infusion, initially 4400 units/kg over 10 minutes (made up in 15 mL sodium chloride 0.9%), followed by 4400 units/kg/hour for 12–24 hours.…
Renal adjustment
Dose reduction may be required.
Hepatic adjustment
Manufacturer advises caution in mild to moderate impairment; consider dose reduction.
Max dose
For pulmonary embolism (SYNER-KINASE®, intra-arterial injection): maximum 3 doses per day.

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life
10–15 min (plasma)

Side effects

Common
Artery dissection embolism and thrombosisStrokeFever
Serious
  • Renal failure
  • Vascular pseudoaneurysm
  • Haemorrhage

Pregnancy & lactation

Lactation

Manufacturer advises avoid—no information available.

Drug interactions

Tranexamic Acid
Contraindicated
Database

Tranexamic acid inhibits fibrinolysis, directly counteracting the thrombolytic effect of urokinase. This renders urokinase ineffective and may increase the risk of re-thrombosis.

Concomitant use is contraindicated. Tranexamic acid should not be administered with fibrinolytic agents.

Source: DDInter

Abciximab
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Acalabrutinib
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Apixaban
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Argatroban
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Avapritinib
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Betrixaban
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Bivalirudin
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Cabozantinib
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Cangrelor
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Caplacizumab
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Dalteparin
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Related guidelines

Ask House about Urokinase

Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.

Sources: KD Tripathi 7e, Harrison 22e, Katzung, BNF·Verified: 2026-05-13 · House clinical team