Urokinase is a highly purified form of naturally occurring human urokinase extracted from urine. It is a thrombolytic agent which converts plasminogen into plasmin (fibrinolysin) a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down fibrin as well a fibrinogen and other plasma proteins. The activity of urokinase leads to a dose-dependent decrease in plasminogen and fibrinogen levels and to increased presence of fibrin and fibrinogen degradation products, which have an anticoagulant effect and potentiate the effect of heparin. These effects persist for 12-24 hours after the end of urokinase infusion.
Urokinase is eliminated rapidly from the circulation by the liver with a half-life of up to 20 minutes. The inactive degradation products are excreted primarily by the kidneys and in bile. Elimination is delayed in patients with liver disease and impaired kidney function.
There are no pre-clinical safety data of additional value to the prescribing physician.
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