what is the antidote for heparin

The antidote for heparin is protamine sulfate. Protamine is a medication used to reverse and neutralize the anticoagulant effects of heparin. It is the specific antagonist that neutralizes heparin. Protamine is utilized to reverse the anticoagulation effects of unfractionated heparin in the setting of dialysis, invasive vascular procedures, and acute ischemic strokes. Clinicians can also use protamine for a partial reversal of low molecular weight heparins, including enoxaparin, dalteparin, and tinzaparin, but the degree of reversal is unclear, and this use has not been FDA-approved. The maximum dose of protamine is 50 mg, and it should be given IV over 10 minutes. The infusion rate should not exceed 5 mg/min, and more rapid infusion can cause adverse effects. The dose of protamine is based on the amount of heparin administered in the previous 2 hours.