

For example, 1 mg of protamine will neutralize 1000 units of heparin given over four hours. The dose of protamine needed to neutralize heparin varies depending on how much heparin was given and whether it was given as a single dose or over several hours. To remove any remaining heparin from the bloodstream, exogenous (external) protamine is given which binds to and inactivates heparin. However, heparin can also cause problems with bleeding if it is not removed from the body properly. Heparin is an important drug used to prevent blood clots while patients are undergoing surgery or other procedures. Protamine is available as a powder that must be dissolved in water before use. It may be used to treat heparin overdoses or to reverse the effects of heparin when it is no longer required. To counteract the anticoagulant action of heparin, protamine sulfate was administered (1 mg per 100 units of heparin that has been given over the past four hours). If you are unsure whether the patient has taken a correct dosage of heparin, check the APPT or TTCT. Once the APTT is greater than 2 times control value, stop administering protamine sulfate. The normal range is 30 seconds-60 seconds. The APTT can be determined by using a laboratory test called a chromogenic assay. In cases of heparin overdose, administer intravenously administered protamine sulfate until the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is greater than 2 times control value. If the patient received 1 mg/kg body weight of heparin, then one-half milligram of protamine will react with each unit of heparin.

The dose of protamine sulfate required to neutralize heparin varies depending on how much heparin was administered. Protamine also has anti-thrombin effects.

The sulfate anion of protamine reacts with heparin to form a complex that binds to and inactivates both factors Xa and IIa. Sulfate of protamine When it is essential to reverse the anticoagulant action of heparin or to treat heparin overdose, a blood factor is utilized.
