- Protamine is a low-molecular-weight protein derived from the genital tissue of certain fish. Because it is high in arginine and is cationic, protamine binds tightly to heparin, which is highly anionic, thereby neutralizing the anticoagulant effect of both substance
- Side effects
- Intravenous protamine causes
- Peripheral vasodilation
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Protamine/heparin complexes activate the classic complement pathway leading to the formation of C5a, which causes aggregation and activation of leukocytes, release of free oxygen radicals, lipid peroxidation, platelet aggregation, and the formation of thromboxane A2 in lung tissue
- Bradycardia
- May have a direct negative inotropic effect.
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