What do thrombolytics do?

Thrombolytics are a class of medications specifically designed to dissolve blood clots that have already formed in the vascular system. Their primary mechanism of action involves converting plasminogen into plasmin, the enzyme responsible for breaking down fibrin, which is the protein that forms the structural basis of blood clots. By facilitating the breakdown of these clots, thrombolytics help restore blood flow in blocked vessels, making their application critical in situations such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) or acute ischemic stroke.

The ability to lyse existing clots is what distinguishes thrombolytics from other clot-related therapies. For example, anticoagulants act to prevent clot formation rather than dissolving existing clots, and antiplatelet drugs primarily interfere with the function of platelets to prevent the initial aggregation that leads to clot formation. In contrast, thrombolytics specifically target formed clots, making them a vital option in acute care settings where timely intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes.