Choosing the Correct "-ase" in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Alteplase, Tenecteplase, and Reteplase.

Alteplase is a tissue plasminogen activator approved for treating acute ischemic stroke (AIS), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and acute massive pulmonary embolism. Two additional tissue plasminogen activators, tenecteplase and reteplase, are also approved for AMI treatment. However, neither tenecteplase nor reteplase is approved for AIS treatment.

Making a case for the right '-ase' in acute ischemic stroke: alteplase, tenecteplase, and reteplase.

Introduction: Alteplase, reteplase, and tenecteplase are tissue plasminogen activators (TPA) approved for the management of acute myocardial infarction. Only alteplase is also approved for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The US Food and Drug Administration has received reports of accidental administration of tenecteplase or reteplase instead of alteplase in patients with AIS, which can result in failure to treat patients with the intended agent and lead to potential overdose.