Fibrinolytics are used to dissolve what?

• A. A clot
• B. A virus
• C. A cancer
• D. A bacterium

Answer: (A)

Fibrinolytics dissolve clots by activating plasmin, which then digest fibrin—the protein mesh that forms a blood clot. By breaking down this clot structure, they can restore blood flow in blocked vessels, which is crucial in conditions like an ischemic heart attack or ischemic stroke where a clot is the problem.

They don’t act on pathogens or tumors, so a virus, bacterium, or cancer isn’t dissolved by these drugs. The main role of fibrinolytics is to target the clot itself, not infectious agents or malignant tissue. Keep in mind that dissolving clots carries a risk of bleeding, so these drugs are used with careful indication and monitoring.