protamine sulfate /prō″təmēn/ , a heparin antagonist derived from fish sperm. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed to diminish or reverse the anticoagulant effect of heparin, particularly in cases of heparin overdosage. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnancy, allergy to fish, or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects are hypotension, dyspnea, and bradycardia. Dosage greater than needed to neutralize heparin causes the toxic and anticoagulant effects of protamine.
