American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
-
Am J Health Syst Pharm · Jun 2000
Activity and dosage of alteplase dilution for clearing occlusions of venous-access devices.
The activity and sterility of reconstituted alteplase solution and the effectiveness of an alteplase dose-escalation protocol for the clearance of midline-catheter and central-venous-access device occlusions were studied. Reconstituted alteplase solution was stored at -70, -25, or 2 degrees C at concentrations of 0.5, 1, or 2 mg/mL. Durations of storage in the freezer were 0, 7, and 14 days, and durations of storage in the refrigerator were 0, 48, and 72 hours and 7 and 14 days. ⋯ Bleeding observed was not considered to be the result of alteplase administration. For use in clearing occlusions of venous-access devices, alteplase 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/mL retained sufficient fibrinolytic activity when stored for up to 14 days at 2 degrees C (28 days for the 0.5-mg/mL dilution) and when stored for 14 days at -70 or -25 degrees C followed by up to 14 days at 2 degrees C. The dose-escalation protocol was effective.