Plasmin degrades fibrin clots as well as fibrinogen. When used as directed for i.v. Nevertheless, one should be aware of the clinical pharmacology of urokinase. I.V. infusion of urokinase in doses recommended for lysis of pulmonary embolism is followed by increased fibrinolytic activity. There is a lack of correlation between clot embolysis and changes in coagulation and fibrinolytic assay results.
Information is incomplete about the pharmacokinetic properties in man.
Urokinase administered by i.v. infusion is cleared rapidly by the liver. The serum half-life in man is 20 minutes or less. Small fractions of an administered dose are excreted in bile and urine. For the restoration of patency to i.v. catheters, including central venous catheters, obstructed by clotted blood or fibrin. There have been no reports however, which would suggest a contraindication for the use of urokinase for i.v. catheter clearance.