Question

Heparin reacts to prevent the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. Heparin:
A) Is available in oral and parenteral formsB) Takes about 72 hours to have a therapeutic effectsC) Has its effects reversed with the administration of protamine sulfateD) Has its effects reversed with the injection of vitamin K

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is C) Heparin has its effects reversed with the administration of protamine sulfate.

Explanation:

Heparin is an anticoagulant, that is, it works by decreasing the ability of blood to clot, helping to prevent the formation of clots as well as stopping the subsequent extension of any existing clot. Through the neutralization of thrombin, it prevents the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, and thus, prevents the formation of a stable clot by inhibiting the fibrin stabilizing factor.

Protamine sulfate is a heparin antagonist, forming with it inactive complexes without anticoagulant effect, that is, the protamine, in the presence of heparin, which is acidic in nature, through the formation of stable salts, cancels the anticoagulant effect of both substances, neutralizing and reversing the anticoagulant action of heparin.