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Protamine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 9, 2023.

Applies to protamine: parenteral solution for injection.

Warning

  • Possible severe hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, catastrophic pulmonary vasoconstriction, and pulmonary hypertension with rapid IV injection, high doses, repeated doses, or previous exposure to protamine or protamine-containing drugs (e.g., insulin).100 Other possible risk factors include known sensitivity to fish, vasectomy, severe left ventricular dysfunction, and abnormal pulmonary hemodynamics.100 Weigh risk against anticipated benefit of protamine therapy in patients with risk factors.100 Administer only when facilities and equipment for treatment of such reactions are readily available.100 (See Sensitivity Reactions under Cautions.)

  • Protamine should not be used for bleeding that occurs without prior exposure to heparin.100

Side effects include:

Decreased BP or hypotension, bradycardia, skin reactions (e.g., flushing, feeling of warmth, urticaria, edema), dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, lassitude, back pain.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to protamine: injectable solution.

Hematologic

Hematologic adverse effects such as bleeding and elevated plasma heparin concentrations resulting from rebound anticoagulation have occurred 30 minutes to 18 hours following cardiac surgery despite complete protamine neutralization of heparin.[Ref]

It has been postulated that the heparin-protamine complex may be acted upon by fibrinolysin, thus freeing heparin. Clinical monitoring of coagulation parameters such as the heparin titration test with protamine and plasma thrombin time is recommended to determine subsequent protamine dosage requirements.[Ref]

Immunologic

Immune responses, some life-threatening and fatal, have occurred and are thought to be related to previous protamine exposure such as prior heparin neutralization or use of protamine-containing insulin. Severe reactions may occur in the absence of local or systemic allergic reactions to protamine-containing insulin injections and fatal anaphylaxis without a prior allergy history has been reported. Data suggest that vasectomized men may be at increased risk for protamine-induced immunologic reactions.[Ref]

Vasectomy disrupts the normal blood-testes barrier allowing systemic absorption of sperm and the potential for antibody formation. Data concerning vasectomized men have reported the appearance of human protamine-specific IgG antibodies in 22% to 33% within one year after vasectomy. A study revealed antiprotamine IgE antibodies in 35% of vasectomized men compared to 0% in nonvasectomized controls. Cross-reactivity has been demonstrated between human and salmon protamine.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular symptoms of hypotension and bradycardia have occurred following intravenous (IV) administration of protamine. Reduced cardiac output, myocardial failure, and irreversible circulatory collapse can occur.[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory adverse effects resulting in high-protein, noncardiogenic pulmonary edema have been reported in patients on cardiopulmonary bypass undergoing cardiovascular surgery. The role of protamine is not completely understood, but may be related to an immune-mediated response. However, this effect has been observed with administration of certain blood products, drugs, cardiopulmonary by-pass alone, and in the presence of other etiologic factors.

Respiratory side effects have also included reports of severe pulmonary hypertension.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic effects, primarily associated with allergic reactions, have been characterized by urticaria, erythema, or edema.[Ref]

References

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2. Lindblad B. Protamine sulphate: a review of its effects: hypersensitivity and toxicity. Eur J Vasc Surg. 1989;3:195-201.

3. Soloway HB, Cornett BM, Donahoo JV, Cox SP. Differentiation of bleeding diatheses which occur following protamine correction of heparin anticoagulation. Am J Clin Pathol. 1973;60:188-91.

4. Al-Mondhiry H, Pierce WS, Basarab RM. Protamine-induced thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. Thromb Haemost. 1985;53:60-4.

5. Product Information. Protamine Sulfate (protamine). Lilly, Eli and Company. 2022.

6. Awan NA, Evenson MK, Needham KE, Mason DT. Management of refractory CHF with prazosin: importance of tolerance and tachyphylaxis. Acta Med Scand Suppl. 1981;652:115-24.

7. Vontz FK, Puestow EC, Cahill DJ, Jr. Anaphylactic shock following protamine administration. Am Surg. 1982;48:549-51.

8. Olinger GN, Becker RM, Bonchek LI. Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema and peripheral vascular collapse following cardiopulmonary bypass: rare protamine reaction? Ann Thorac Surg. 1980;29:20-5.

9. Hulshof MM, Faber WR, Kniestedt WF, Boeree MJ, Kreek P. Granulomatous hypersensitivity to protamine as a complication of insulin therapy. Br J Dermatol. 1992;127:286-8.

10. Weiler JM, Freiman P, Sharath MD, Metzger WJ, Smith JM, Richerson HB, Ballas ZK, Halverson PC, Shulan DJ, Matsuo S, et al. Serious adverse reactions to protamine sulfate: are alternatives needed? J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1985;75:297-303.

11. Sharath MD, Metzger WJ, Richerson HB, Scupham RK, Meng RL, Ginsberg BH, Weiler JM. Protamine-induced fatal anaphylaxis. Prevalence of antiprotamine immunoglobulin E antibody. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1985;90:86-90.

12. Holland CL, Singh AK, McMaster PR, Fang W. Adverse reactions to protamine sulfate following cardiac surgery. Clin Cardiol. 1984;7:157-62.

13. Weiss ME, Adkinson NF, Jr. Allergy to protamine. Clin Rev Allergy. 1991;9:339-55.

14. Horrow JC. Adverse reactions to protamine. Int Anesthesiol Clin. 1985;23:133-44.

15. Mezt S. Prior vasectomy and anaphylaxis following protamine: no cause and effect. Anesthesiology. 1993;79:617-9.

16. Adourian U, Shampaine EL, Hirshman CA, Fuchs E, Adkinson NF Jr. High-titer protamine-specific IgG antibody associated with anaphylaxis: report of a case and quantitative analysis of antibody in vasectomized men. Anesthesiology. 1993;78:368-72.

17. Adourian U, Shampaine EL, Hirshman CA, Fuchs E, Adkinson NF, Jr. High-titer protamine-specific IgG antibody associated with anaphylaxis: report of a case and quantitative analysis of antibody in vasectomized men. Anesthesiology. 1993;78:368-72.

18. Kirklin JK, Chenoweth DE, Naftel DC, Blackstone EH, Kirklin JW, Bitran DD, Curd JG, Reves JG, Samuelson PN. Effects of protamine administration after cardiopulmonary bypass on complement, blood elements, and the hemodynamic state. Ann Thorac Surg. 1986;41:193-9.

19. Walker WS, Reid KG, Hider CF, Davidson IA, Boulton FE, Yap PL. Successful cardiopulmonary bypass in diabetics with anaphylactoid reactions to protamine. Br Heart J. 1984;52:112-4.

20. Stewart WJ, McSweeney SM, Kellett MA, Faxon DP, Ryan TJ. Increased risk of severe protamine reactions in NPH insulin-dependent diabetics undergoing cardiac catheterization. Circulation. 1984;70:788-92.

21. Weiler JM, Gellhaus MA, Carter JG, Meng RL, Benson PM, Hottel RA, Schillig KB, Vegh AB, Clarke WR. A prospective study of the risk of an immediate adverse reaction to protamine sulfate during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1990;85:713-9.

22. Konstadt SN. Protamine administration: untoward responses and their mechanisms. Mt Sinai J Med. 1987;54:297-300.

23. Watson RA, Ansbacher R, Barry M, Deshon GE, Jr Agee RE. Allergic reaction to protamine: a late complication of elective vasectomy? Urology. 1983;22:493-5.

24. Lakin JD, Blocker TJ, Strong DM, Yocum MW. Anaphylaxis to protamine sulfate mediated by a complement-dependent IgG antibody. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1978;61:102-7.

25. Best N, Sinosich MJ, Teisner B, Grudzinskas JG, Fisher MM. Complement activation during cardiopulmonary bypass by heparin- protamine interaction. Br J Anaesth. 1984;56:339-43.

26. Adourian UA, Hirshman CA, Adkinson NF Jr, Weiss ME. Immunoreactivity of protamine preparations used to reverse heparin anticoagulation. Anesthesiology. 1990;73:328-31.

27. Moorthy SS, Pond W, Rowland RG. Severe circulatory shock following protamine (an anaphylactic reaction). Anesth Analg. 1980;59:77-8.

28. Cheung AT, Weiss SJ, Savino JS. Protamine-induced right-to-left intracardiac shunting. Anesthesiology. 1991;75:904-7.

29. Lowenstein E, Johnston WE, Lappas DG, D'Ambra MN, Schneider RC, Daggett WM, Akins CW, Philbin DM. Catastrophic pulmonary vasoconstriction associated with protamine reversal of heparin. Anesthesiology. 1983;59:470-3.

30. Andersen JM, Johnson TA. Hypertension associated with protamine sulfate administration. Am J Hosp Pharm. 1981;38:701-3.

31. Shikuma LR, Eyer SD, Zaske DE. Protamine sulfate and fatal anaphylactoid shock. Drug Intell Clin Pharm. 1988;22:211-3.

32. Dayal SK, Barlow JC, Watson WA. Unpredictable anaphylactic reaction to protamine sulfate. Drug Intell Clin Pharm. 1988;22:209-11.

33. Pharo GH, Horrow J, Van Riper DF, Levy JH. Suspected protamine allergy: diagnosis and management for coronary artery surgery. Anesth Analg. 1994;78:181-4.

34. Del Re MR, Ayd JD, Schultheis LW, Heitmiller ES. Protamine and left ventricular function: a transesophageal echocardiography study. Anesth Analg. 1993;77:1098-103.

35. Akata T, Kodama K, Yoshitake J, Takahashi S. Heparin prevents the vasodilating actions of protamine on human small mesenteric arteries. Anesth Analg. 1993;76:1213-21.

36. Hird RB, Crawford FA Jr, Mukherjee R, Zile MR, Spinale FG. Effects of protamine on myocyte contractile function and beta- adrenergic responsiveness. Ann Thorac Surg. 1994;57:1066-74;disc. 1074-5.

37. Conahan TJ, 3d Andrews RW, MacVaugh H, 3d. Cardiovascular effects of protamine sulfate in man. Anesth Analg. 1981;60:33-6.

38. Frater RW, Oka Y, Hong Y, Tsubo T, Loubser PG, Masone R. Protamine-induced circulatory changes. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1984;87:687-92.

39. Just-Viera JO, Fischer CR, Gago O, Morris JD. Acute reaction to protamine. Its importance to surgeons. Am Surg. 1984;50:52-60.

40. McIntyre RW, Flezzani P, Knopes KD, Reves JG, Watkins WD. Pulmonary hypertension and prostaglandins after protamine. Am J Cardiol. 1986;58:857-8.

41. Zaidan JR, Johnson S, Brynes R, Monroe S, Guffin AV. Rate of protamine administration: its effect on heparin reversal and antithrombin recovery after coronary artery surgery. Anesth Analg. 1986;65:377-80.

42. Brooks JC. Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema immediately following rapid protamine administration. Ann Pharmacother. 1999;33:927-30.

43. Ralley FE. The use of nitric oxide for managing catastrophic pulmonary vasoconstriction arising from protamine administration. Anesth Analg. 1999;88:505-7.

44. Lobato EB, Janelle GM, Urdaneta F, Malias MA. Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema and rhabdomyolsis after protamine administration in a patient with unrecognized McArdle's disease. Anesthesiology. 1999;91:303-5.

45. Kimmel SE, Sekeres M, Berlin JA, Ellison N. Mortality and Adverse Events After Protamine Administration in Patients Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass. Anesth Analg. 2002;94:1402-1408.

Further information

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Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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