Drug interactions
Alteplase + Danshen
Severity: Moderate
Alteplase and Danshen: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Danshen has antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties reported in case reports with warfarin, so it could add to bleeding risk with alteplase. Clinical data with thrombolytics are lacking.
What this interaction means in plain words
Alteplase and Danshen can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Danshen inhibits platelet aggregation and may have anticoagulant effects, giving additive bleeding risk.
What to do
Ask about herbal use and stop danshen before elective thrombolysis where possible. Monitor for bleeding.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Alteplase
- Alteplase + Defibrotide Contraindicated
- Alteplase + Reteplase Contraindicated
- Alteplase + Tenecteplase Contraindicated
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Alteplase Major
- Alteplase + Apixaban Major
- Alteplase + Argatroban Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Alteplase with Danshen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Alteplase and Danshen can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Danshen has antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties reported in case reports with warfarin, so it could add to bleeding risk with alteplase. Clinical data with thrombolytics are lacking.
How serious is the interaction between Alteplase and Danshen?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Ask about herbal use and stop danshen before elective thrombolysis where possible. Monitor for bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Alteplase?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Alteplase with, for example, Defibrotide, Reteplase, Tenecteplase. The full list is on the Alteplase page.
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