Protamine
Generic name: Protamine [ PROE-ta-meen ]
Drug classes: Anticoagulant reversal agents, Heparin antagonists
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 28, 2024.
Warning
- This medicine may cause very low blood pressure or very bad heart or lung problems. Sometimes, these may be deadly. Tell your doctor if you have heart or lung problems, if you have had a vasectomy, or if you have an allergy to fish. Talk with your doctor.
- This medicine is not for use when bleeding happens without heparin use. Talk with the doctor.
Uses of Protamine:
- It is used to treat heparin overdose.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Protamine?
- If you have an allergy to protamine, seafood, or any other part of protamine.
- If you are allergic to protamine; any part of protamine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take protamine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Protamine?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take protamine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- Very bad and sometimes deadly allergic reactions have rarely happened. Talk with your doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using protamine while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is this medicine (Protamine) best taken?
Use protamine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as a shot into a vein over a period of time.
- You will be watched closely by your doctor.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Shortness of breath.
- Slow heartbeat.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Very upset stomach or throwing up.
- Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
What are some other side effects of Protamine?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Flushing.
- Feeling of warmth.
- Back pain.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Protamine?
- If you need to store protamine at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about protamine, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
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- During pregnancy
- Drug class: anticoagulant reversal agents
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