Antidote of heparin is?

Appeared in: PGIMER NO - 2020

Explanation

Protamine sulphate is the specific antidote for heparin.
It is a strongly basic protein that binds with the acidic heparin to form a stable, inactive complex, thus neutralizing its anticoagulant effect.
The action is rapid, with reversal of heparin's effects occurring within 5 minutes of intravenous administration.
The standard dosage ratio is approximately 1 mg of protamine sulphate for every 100 units of heparin remaining in the body.

Option A: Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant itself, not an antidote for heparin. It is used to prevent clot formation.
Option B: Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin, not heparin. It works by promoting the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver.
Option D: Acetylcysteine is the antidote for acetaminophen (paracetamol) toxicity. It has no effect on heparin.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology: Antidotes for Anticoagulants as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In clinical practice, nurses must be able to recognize signs of heparin overdose (e.g., hematuria, melena, excessive bruising) and be prepared to administer protamine sulphate as ordered by the physician.
It is crucial to administer protamine sulphate slowly via IV infusion, as rapid infusion can cause severe hypotension, bradycardia, and anaphylactoid reactions.
What if? If a patient on heparin requires emergency surgery, protamine sulphate is administered pre-operatively to reverse anticoagulation and reduce the risk of intraoperative bleeding.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for the specific 'antidote' for the drug 'heparin'.
This is a factual recall question common in pharmacology. Access your knowledge base about common drugs and their reversal agents.
Evaluate each option. Think about the drug class and primary use of each option.
Option A, Warfarin, is an anticoagulant.
Option B, Vitamin K, is an antidote, but for warfarin.
Option C, Protamine sulphate, is known as the classic heparin antagonist.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 2 pp. 108-110, 123-125

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 958-960

Practise the full PGIMER NO - 2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.