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    tPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator) Dosing for Stroke Calculator

    Doses tPA for stroke.

    IMPORTANT

    This calculator is for double-checking tPA dosing, and should NOT be used as the primary means for ordering tPA.

    INSTRUCTIONS

    Use in ischemic stroke patients only. Do NOT use in acute coronary syndrome or PE.

    When to Use
    Pearls/Pitfalls
    Why Use

    This calculator is intended solely for calculating the alteplase (tPA) dose for ischemic stroke. It does not apply to dosing for acute coronary syndromes or pulmonary embolism.

    • Remember that up to 20 mL (20 mg) tPA will remain in the pump tubing regardless of the method of preparation (withdrawing waste from vial before administration or leaving waste volume in the vial).
    • Standard practice is to infuse up to 50 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride at the same rate after the tPA vial is empty.

    Because of the time-sensitive, high-stress, infrequent nature of ischemic stroke cases receiving tPA, there is risk for medication error. Using a calculator to double check dosing prior to administration can reduce the risk of error.

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    Creator Insights
    Bryan D. Hayes, PharmD

    About the Creator

    Bryan D. Hayes, PharmD, FAACT, FASHP, is an assistant professor of emergency medicine and clinical pharmacist at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital. He is also an associate editor and the creator of the CAPSULES series of Academic Life in Emergency Medicine (ALiEM). His research interests include toxicology, medication safety and emergency preparedness.

    To view Bryan D. Hayes, PharmD's publications, visit PubMed

    Are you Bryan D. Hayes, PharmD? Send us a message to review your photo and bio, and find out how to submit Creator Insights!
    MDCalc loves calculator creators – researchers who, through intelligent and often complex methods, discover tools that describe scientific facts that can then be applied in practice. These are real scientific discoveries about the nature of the human body, which can be invaluable to physicians taking care of patients.
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    About the Creator
    Bryan D. Hayes, PharmD
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