How to Reverse a Heparin Dose

Heparin is a medication used for the treatment of various cardiac conditions, including atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndrome. If Heparin overdose has occurred, it may be necessary to reverse treatment. In cases where bleeding does not occur, Heparin reversal can be achieved by simply stopping treatment of Heparin. In cases where bleeding occurs, an antidote should be administered. It is very important that Heparin reversal should be treated by a physician, cardiologist or medical professional.

Things You'll Need

• Protamine Sulfate
• Cardiologist or physician (to administer treatment)

Instructions

1. Determine whether the patient is bleeding.

2. If the patient is not bleeding, simply stop administering Heparin and wait to determine whether the patient is experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness or swelling. If the patient is not experiencing side effects mentioned above, Heparin reversal may be achieved without the use of antidote medication.

3. For patients where bleeding is a factor, administer an IV to prepare for delivery the Heparin antidote, protamine sulfate.

4. Prepare administration of protamine sulfate. Protamine sulfate should be administered through an IV drip in a 10 milligram dosage.

5. Heparin reversal will occur rapidly, within five minutes of administration of protamine sulfate. Monitor the patient to ensure that Heparin reversal is effective (bleeding should slow, any side effects such as shortness of breath, dizziness and swelling should subside).

Tips & Warnings

• Protamine sulfate contains shark sperm and patients allergic to fish may be sensitive to the solution. Use a smaller dosage (five milligrams) for patients allergic to fish. Monitor the patient for allergic or sinus reaction.

• Do not freeze protamine sulfate.

References

• How to Reverse Heparin
• Reversing Heparin
• Heparin Antidote