Streptokinase facts for kids

Streptokinase (often called STK) is a special medicine. It helps to break up blood clots inside the human body. This process is called thrombolysis.

Doctors mainly use Streptokinase to treat a serious type of heart attack. This specific type is known as a STEMI heart attack. Doctors check for this type of heart attack using an ECG machine. Streptokinase is given to patients as an injection into a vein.

What is Streptokinase Used For?

Streptokinase is used to treat problems caused by blood clots. It helps clear blockages in blood vessels.

• Heart Attack (STEMI Type): This medicine is important for a specific kind of heart attack. It helps clear the clot blocking blood flow to the heart.
• Blood Clots in Lungs: Sometimes, blood clots can travel to the arteries in the lungs. This is called a Pulmonary embolism. Streptokinase can help dissolve these clots.
• Arterial Thromboembolism: This means blood clots have formed in other arteries in the body. Streptokinase can be used to break them down.

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Streptokinase can have some side effects. These are things that might happen but don't always.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach.
• Bleeding: Since it dissolves clots, it can sometimes cause too much bleeding.
• Low blood pressure: Your blood pressure might drop.
• Allergic reactions: Some people might have an allergic reaction to the medicine.

Because of the risk of allergic reactions, doctors usually do not give Streptokinase to a person more than once in their lifetime.

How Streptokinase Was Discovered

Streptokinase was found in 1933 by an American scientist named William S. Tillett. He was a microbiologist, which means he studied tiny living things like bacteria. He discovered it from a type of bacteria called beta-hemolytic streptococci.

Streptokinase was once on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. This list includes the most important medicines needed in a basic health system. However, in many countries, like the United States, doctors now use newer medicines for heart attacks. A medicine called Tenecteplase is often used instead. It has fewer side effects than Streptokinase.

Images for kids

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See also

In Spanish: Estreptoquinasa para niños