Protamine sulfate is a blood factor used when the reversal of the anticoagulant effect of heparin is necessary and for the treatment of heparin overdose. Since it's earliest discovery in salmon rine sperm heads in the late 1800's to its formal introduction via US FDA approval in 1939, protamine sulfate has occupied an important therapeutic niche as perhaps the only...
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 16 references
It is generally understood that, when administered as an antidote to heparin, protamine sulfate is a fairly strong basic protein that subsequently binds with strongly acidic heparin to produce a stable and inactive complex (salt). This inactive complex between protamine sulfate and heparin neutralizes the anticoagulant effect of both solitary protamine and heparin. In this way, protamine sulfate is used as an effective antidote to reverse the activity of heparin, and is useful for treating hemorrhage as a result of severe heparin or low-molecular weight heparin overdosage. Moreover, protamine sulfate is also frequently used in the same manner to neutralize the effect of heparin given before surgery and during extracorporeal circulation procedures like those performed in hemodialysis or cardiac surgery.
- Primary indication
- Protamine sulfate is indicated for counteracting or reversing the anticoagulant effect of heparin as necessary.Curator reviewed · 1 structured indication
- First approval
- Canada, 2005 · United States, 2000
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of July 03, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Protamine sulfate, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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