Protamine sulfate

Protamine Sulfate is a medication that is used to neutralize the effects of heparin, an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that is commonly administered to prevent blood clots. It is a mixture of a highly sulfated protein with a strong positive charge, which enables it to bind to heparin, a negatively charged molecule.
The primary use of Protamine Sulfate is to reverse the anticoagulant effects of heparin, especially in situations where immediate reversal is necessary, such as during cardiovascular procedures or in cases of accidental overdose. It works by forming a stable complex with heparin, which then gets cleared from the bloodstream, effectively stopping the blood-thinning effect of heparin.
Protamine Sulfate is usually administered intravenously (directly into the bloodstream) and its effects are usually rapid, with most of the heparin being neutralized within minutes. The dose of Protamine Sulfate required depends on the amount of heparin that needs to be neutralized, and it is typically calculated based on the patient’s weight and the heparin dose they received.
It is important to monitor patients who have received Protamine Sulfate, as there is a risk of an allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to the medication. In such cases, the patient may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hives, or a drop in blood pressure.