Thrombin Alfa (Recombinant) (Topical) (Monograph)
Brand name: Recothrom
Drug class: Hemostatics
VA class: BL116
Chemical name: Human thrombin (recombinant, glycosylated)
Molecular formula: C1511H2342N418O436S15
CAS number: 869858-13-9
Introduction
Hemostatic agent; biosynthetic (recombinant DNA origin) preparation of naturally occurring human thrombin.
Uses for Thrombin Alfa (Recombinant) (Topical)
Hemorrhage
Used topically as an aid in achieving hemostasis at accessible sites of oozing blood and minor bleeding from capillaries and small venules when control of bleeding using standard surgical measures (e.g., suture, ligature, electrocautery) is ineffective or impractical.
May be used alone or in conjunction with an absorbable gelatin sponge during various types of surgery (e.g., spinal surgery, liver resection, peripheral arterial bypass surgery).
Do not use for massive or brisk arterial bleeding. (See Contraindications.)
Thrombin Alfa (Recombinant) (Topical) Dosage and Administration
Administration
Topical Administration
Apply topically as a solution; do not inject. (See Contraindications.) Separate topical thrombin solutions from parenteral preparations to avoid inadvertent injection. (See Thrombosis under Cautions.) Do not leave reconstituted solutions in syringes as an intermediate step.
Apply directly to surfaces of bleeding tissue using a sterile syringe sprayer or spray pump; alternatively, may apply with an absorbable gelatin sponge. Consult manufacturer's instructions for proper assembly and use of the syringe sprayer or spray pump (available as part of the spray applicator kit).
When used in conjunction with an absorbable gelatin sponge, transfer solution to a sterile bowl or basin. Immerse sponge strips of the desired size in solution to allow complete saturation. Gently squeeze sponge strips to remove excess drug and apply to bleeding site in a single layer. Consult manufacturer's information for detailed instructions on use of absorbable gelatin sponge preparations.
Reconstitution
Using a needle-free transfer device, add 5 or 20 mL of the supplied diluent (0.9% sodium chloride injection) to a vial containing 5000 or 20,000 units, respectively, of lyophilized thrombin alfa (thrombin [recombinant]) to provide a solution containing 1000 units/mL. Gently swirl vial until powder is completely dissolved.
Draw reconstituted solution into a sterile syringe and apply auxiliary label indicating that the solution is for topical use only.
Use within 24 hours of reconstitution.
Dosage
Adults
Hemorrhage
Topical
Volume of drug required to achieve hemostasis depends on total number of bleeding sites, surface area being treated, and method of application.
Hemostasis usually achieved within 10 minutes following a single application.
Cautions for Thrombin Alfa (Recombinant) (Topical)
Contraindications
-
Do not inject directly into circulatory system. (See Thrombosis under Cautions.)
-
Treatment of massive or brisk arterial bleeding.
-
Known hypersensitivity to thrombin alfa, hamster proteins, or any ingredient in the formulation.
Warnings/Precautions
Warnings
Thrombosis
Risk of thrombosis if absorbed systemically. Do not inject directly into the circulatory system; serious complications including hypotension, systemic thrombosis, and death may result. (See Contraindications under Cautions.) Take appropriate precautionary measures to avoid inadvertent injection. (See Administration under Dosage and Administration.)
Sensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity
Potential allergic reaction in patients with known hypersensitivity to snake proteins (due to use of snake-venom-derived prothrombin activator in production process).
Antibody Formation
Possible development of antibodies to thrombin alfa; risk of antibody development lower than that associated with bovine-derived thrombin. Relationship between antibody formation and clinically important adverse effects (e.g., excessive bleeding) not observed.
Immunogenicity of thrombin alfa not affected by preexisting antibodies to bovine thrombin.
Limited experience with repeated exposure to the drug.
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category C.
Pediatric Use
Evaluated in a limited number of pediatric patients (12–17 years of age) undergoing burn wound excision prior to grafting. Manufacturer states safety and efficacy in pediatric patients <12 years of age not established.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in efficacy or safety relative to younger patients, but increased sensitivity cannot be ruled out.
Common Adverse Effects
Incision site complications.
Thrombin Alfa (Recombinant) (Topical) Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Minimally absorbed (<0.37%) following topical application to the liver in a rabbit wound model.
Onset
Time to hemostasis dependent on concentrations of thrombin and fibrinogen present during clot formation.
Elimination
Elimination Route
Rapidly (< 5 minutes) neutralized by endogenous inhibitors in circulation; cleared by liver.
Stability
Storage
Topical
Powder
2–25°C.
May store reconstituted solution at 2–25°C for up to 24 hours; discard after 24 hours.
Actions
-
Promotes hemostasis principally by converting fibrinogen to fibrin; other mechanisms (e.g., platelet activation and aggregation, activation of factor XIII leading to fibrin crosslinking and clot stabilization) also involved.
-
Converts fibrinogen directly to fibrin at site of vessel injury without the addition of other substances.
-
Rapidly inactivated by endogenous inhibitors (e.g., antithrombin III human, heparin cofactor II, α2-macroglobulin) to prevent systemic coagulation.
-
Prepared using recombinant DNA technology in a genetically modified mammalian cell (Chinese hamster ovary) expression system free of animal or human additives; undergoes additional purification steps (e.g., nanofiltration, solvent/detergent) to further reduce risk of viral transmission.
-
Structurally and functionally similar to endogenous human thrombin.
Advice to Patients
Risk of blood clotting disorders if absorbed systemically; importance of contacting a clinician if any new or unusual symptoms of thrombosis occur.
Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, as well as any concomitant illnesses.
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Topical |
Powder |
5000 units |
Recothrom (with 0.9% sodium chloride diluent; package also contains needle-free transfer device and 5-mL sterile syringe) |
ZymoGenetics |
20,000 units |
Recothrom (with 0.9% sodium chloride diluent; package also contains 2 sterile needle-free transfer devices and 20-mL sterile syringe) |
ZymoGenetics |
||
Recothrom (with 0.9% sodium chloride diluent; spray applicator kit contains spray pump, spray bottle, syringe spray tip, syringe, and bowl) |
ZymoGenetics |
AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2025, Selected Revisions March 31, 2011. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
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