Thrombolytic agent is a medication used to dissolve blood clots, but it can also be referred to as clot-busting medication or fibrinolytic. These synonyms are used to describe the same type of medication that works to break down the clots in a patient's blood vessels. Thrombolytic agents are usually administered through an IV, and are used to prevent serious health complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and deep vein thrombosis. Other common synonyms for thrombolytic agents include tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), urokinase, and streptokinase. These medications are often used in emergency situations, and can greatly improve a patient's chances of survival if administered in time.