Streptokinase's half-life post-infusion is approximately how long?

Streptokinase is a thrombolytic agent used to dissolve blood clots, particularly in conditions like acute myocardial infarction. The pharmacokinetics of streptokinase include a relatively short half-life, which is crucial for its clinical use. After an infusion, the half-life of streptokinase is approximately 30 minutes. This rapid clearance is significant because it dictates how often the drug needs to be administered and influences the monitoring of patients during treatment.

Knowing the half-life is essential for healthcare providers to manage dosing regimens and potential side effects adequately. Since streptokinase is administered as a bolus followed by an infusion, its peak effects occur soon after administration, necessitating careful timing in relation to patient care and follow-up treatments. This time frame allows for effective management of clot dissolution while minimizing the risk of excessive bleeding, which can occur if the agent remains in the system for too long.