What is the approximate half-life of alteplase when administered as a total dose?

Alteplase, a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), is used primarily in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke and other thrombotic disorders. Its pharmacokinetics reveal that the drug has a very rapid onset and a short half-life. When administered as a total dose, alteplase's half-life is approximately 5 minutes or less in the circulation. This brief half-life is crucial because it reflects how quickly alteplase needs to be administered and how quickly its effects can diminish after infusion.

A short half-life like that of alteplase facilitates quick breakdown of the drug, which is vital in managing thrombolysis, especially in acute settings where rapid clot dissolution is necessary. Understanding this characteristic is important for healthcare providers to optimize treatment protocols and manage the timing of additional interventions if needed.

The other options suggest longer half-lives that do not align with the pharmacokinetic data for alteplase, making them less suitable choices when considering its rapid action in clinical scenarios.