Argatroban
Argatroban
Argatroban (pronounced: ar-GAT-ro-ban) is a type of anticoagulant medication, specifically a direct thrombin inhibitor. It is primarily used to treat or prevent thrombosis in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).
Etymology
The name "Argatroban" is derived from its chemical structure. The "Arga" part of the name comes from the arginine derivative, while the "troban" part is a common suffix for thrombin inhibitors.
Usage
Argatroban is used as an anticoagulant for patients who have developed HIT. HIT is a condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks platelets in the blood after exposure to heparin, leading to a high risk of blood clots. Argatroban works by directly inhibiting thrombin, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in blood clotting.
Dosage and Administration
Argatroban is administered intravenously. The dosage is adjusted based on the patient's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), a measure of the blood's ability to clot. The goal is to maintain the aPTT at 1.5 to 3 times the initial value.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Argatroban include bleeding, headache, fever, and back pain. Serious side effects can include major bleeding events, allergic reactions, and liver problems.
Related Terms
- Anticoagulant
- Thrombin inhibitor
- Thrombosis
- Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
- Activated partial thromboplastin time
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Argatroban
- Wikipedia's article - Argatroban
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