Which drug is a thrombolytic agent used to dissolve clots in an acute myocardial infarction patient?

• A. Abciximab
• B. Alteplase
• C. Warfarin
• D. Heparin

Answer: (B)

Dissolving a formed clot in the coronary artery with a drug that activates the body's fibrinolytic system is what this question is about. Alteplase is a tissue plasminogen activator that converts plasminogen to plasmin, and plasmin breaks down fibrin to dissolve the clot. In acute myocardial infarction, rapidly dissolving the obstructing thrombus can restore blood flow and limit heart muscle damage, especially when primary PCI isn’t available quickly.

The other medications do not dissolve clots. Abciximab prevents platelets from sticking together, acting as an antiplatelet agent. Warfarin and heparin are anticoagulants; they prevent new clot formation or growth but don’t rapidly dissolve an existing clot.