The effect of anticonvulsant drugs on the fibrinolytic activity of tissue plasminogen activator.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Several anticonvulsant drugs have been found to be neuroprotective in preclinical models of stroke, and such drugs may possibly be given in combination with other stroke treatments such as recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). The goal of this study was to test for potential interactions between rt-PA and selected anticonvulsants.

METHODS

A spectrophotomeric assay was used to monitor the lysis of fibrin clots in the presence of rt-PA and the drugs levetiracetam, valproic acid, phenytoin and phenobarbital.

RESULTS

The drugs tested were found to have no effect on either the rate or total amount of lysis induced by rt-PA.

CONCLUSIONS

Although further studies are required in order to explore the effects of these drugs in stroke patients, the results suggest that co-administration of rt-PA and anticonvulsant drugs may be safe and viable.