Protamine Sulfate(proe’ ta meen)
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Class
Heparin antagonist
Therapeutic Actions
Strongly basic proteins found in salmon sperm; protamines form stable salts with heparin, which results in the immediate loss of anticoagulant activity; administered when heparin has not been given; protamine has weak anticoagulant activity.
Indications
Treatment of heparin overdose
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to protamine sulfate or fish products.
Use cautiously with pregnancy, lactation.
Available Forms
Injection—10 mg/mL
Dosages
Dosage is determined by the amount of heparin in the body and the time that has elapsed since the heparin was given; the longer the interval, the smaller the dose required.
Adults and pediatric patients
1 mg IV neutralizes not less than 100 heparin units.
