

The antidote, called protamine, is not as effective in reversing low-molecular-weight heparin so Liu and Linhardt tweaked the drug’s molecular structure so that protamine is able to deactivate it. If the LMW heparin dose has been given within 3-4 hours give 1 mg protamine/1 mg of enoxaparin dose. If immediate reversal is required protamine sulfate will result in partial neutralization. This dose can be calculated on this basis if protamine sulphate is given within 15. Patients receiving unfractionated heparin are in less danger because there is an existing FDA-approved antidote available. What is the antidote for heparin and enoxaparin Termination of the SQ injection generally will terminate the anticoagulant effect. Unacceptable side effects of protamine have led to a search for new alternatives: UHRA, LMWP, and Dex40-GTMAC3 are in the preclinical stage the two other agents (andexanet alfa and PER977) are already in the advanced clinical phases. Approximately 1 mg of protamine sulphate neutralizes 100 iu of heparin. The mechanisms involve membrane receptors and ion channels targeted by different vasoactive compounds, such as nitric oxide, bradykinin or histamine. Despite of the low therapeutic index, protamine is the only registered antidote of heparins. The toxicology of protamine depends on a complex interaction of the high molecular weight, a cationic peptide with the surfaces of the vasculature and blood cells. Recent studies have demonstrated new organ-specific complications of the heparin reversal with protamine.Īreas covered: Past and present knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for the toxicity of protamine and the most promising potential replacements of protamine in the different phases of development.Įxpert opinion: Despite of the low therapeutic index, protamine is the only registered antidote of heparins. Despite its extensive clinical use, protamine may produce life-threatening side effects such as systemic hypotension, catastrophic pulmonary vasoconstriction or allergic reactions.

In the case of an emergency bleeding in response to heparin, the protamine sulfate is administered. Interventions Adjust dose according to coagulation test results performed just before injection (30 min before each intermittent dose or q 46 hr if continuous. Introduction: Unfractionated heparin is a strongly anionic anticoagulant used extensively in medicine to prevent blood clotting.
