Which agent is a thrombolytic?

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

Answer: (C)

Thrombolytics dissolve clots by activating the body’s fibrinolytic system. Alteplase is a tissue plasminogen activator that binds to a clot and converts plasminogen to plasmin, which then digests fibrin and breaks down the thrombus. This active dissolution of an existing clot distinguishes it from the other types.

Heparin and warfarin are anticoagulants; they interfere with the clotting cascade to prevent new clots from forming or existing ones from growing, but they don’t actively dissolve an already formed clot. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet that inhibits platelet aggregation, helping prevent arterial thrombi but not breaking down clots.