Why Is tPA Administered

A tPA is a drug used to break up a blood clot and restore blood flow to the brain. A tPA can only be administered within a few hours after stroke symptoms appear, so it is extremely important to call 911 at the first sign of a stroke.

Why do you give tPA?

tPA is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for acute ischemic stroke. Administering it quickly is critical because when brain cells don’t receive blood they die, affecting brain function. In some patients, tPA can restore blood flow to the brain within just a few minutes.

When should tPA be administered?

IV tPA should be administered to all eligible acute stroke patients within 3 hours of last known normal and to a more selective group of eligible acute stroke patients (based on ECASS III exclusion criteria) within 4.5 hours of last known normal.