Drug interactions
Alteplase + Imatinib
Severity: Moderate
Alteplase and Imatinib: 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
Imatinib can cause thrombocytopenia and occasionally hemorrhage, so giving it with a thrombolytic can increase the chance of significant bleeding. The risk is greater when platelet counts are already low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Alteplase and Imatinib 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.
Alteplase belongs to Cardiovascular; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive bleeding risk from imatinib-related thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction combined with alteplase-induced fibrinolysis.
What to do
Check platelet count before thrombolysis and monitor for bleeding afterward. Reconsider thrombolysis if there is marked thrombocytopenia.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to see why Alteplase and Imatinib interact, what to do about it, and the sources.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Alteplase and Imatinib 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. Imatinib can cause thrombocytopenia and occasionally hemorrhage, so giving it with a thrombolytic can increase the chance of significant bleeding. The risk is greater when platelet counts are already low.
How serious is the interaction between Alteplase and Imatinib?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check platelet count before thrombolysis and monitor for bleeding afterward. Reconsider thrombolysis if there is marked thrombocytopenia.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
