- Protamine sulfate
Protamine sulfate is a drug that reverses the
anticoagulant effects ofheparin by binding to it.Protamine was formerly isolated from the sperm of various fish, but is now produced through
recombinant biotechnology. It is a highlycationic peptide. It binds to heparin to form a stable ion pair which does not have anticoagulant activity. This complex is then removed and broken down by thereticuloendothelial system .Dosage
Dosage for heparin reversal is 1mg protamine sulfate i.v. for every 100 IU of active heparin. In patients who are allergic to fish, it can cause significant
histamine release resulting inhypotension andbronchoconstriction , and also causespulmonary hypertension . Infusion should be slow to minimize these side effects. In large doses, protamine itself has some anticoagulant effect.Uses
Protamine sulfate is usually administered to reverse the large dose of heparin administered during certain surgeries, especially
heart surgery . It is also used in gene transfer and protein purification.ee also
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Protamine References
* [http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/sigma/product%20information%20sheet/p4020pis.pdf Sigma]
External links
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