Which medication reverses the anticoagulant effect of heparin?

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Multiple Choice

Which medication reverses the anticoagulant effect of heparin?

Explanation:
Reversing unfractionated heparin relies on protamine sulfate because protamine binds to heparin and neutralizes its anticoagulant effect, forming a stable complex that blocks heparin’s action on thrombin and factor Xa. This is the specific antidote for heparin. Vitamin K reverses warfarin by restoring vitamin K–dependent factor production, desmopressin helps with platelet function rather than neutralizing heparin, and fresh frozen plasma provides clotting factors but does not directly reverse heparin’s activity. Dosing is typically about 1 mg of protamine per 100 units of heparin given, administered IV with careful monitoring.

Reversing unfractionated heparin relies on protamine sulfate because protamine binds to heparin and neutralizes its anticoagulant effect, forming a stable complex that blocks heparin’s action on thrombin and factor Xa. This is the specific antidote for heparin. Vitamin K reverses warfarin by restoring vitamin K–dependent factor production, desmopressin helps with platelet function rather than neutralizing heparin, and fresh frozen plasma provides clotting factors but does not directly reverse heparin’s activity. Dosing is typically about 1 mg of protamine per 100 units of heparin given, administered IV with careful monitoring.

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