Argatroban is a direct thrombin inhibitor that can be used to anticoagulate a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).
Administration: infusion
Patient Condition
Initial Dose Rate
normal hepatic and renal function
2 micrograms per kg
estimated creatinine clearance < 60 mL per minute
1 microgram per kg
hepatic insufficiency
0.5 micrograms per kg
initial infusion in micrograms per minute =
= (dose rate) * (dosing weight in kilograms)
For a morbidly obese patient the dosing weight may be less than the actual body weight.
The infusion is adjusted to maintain a target aPTT.
Target Range aPTT
not high risk for bleeding
2 to 2.5 times reference
high for bleeding
1.5 to 2 times reference
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Clinical Laboratory, Pharmacology, clinical, Critical Care, Immunology/Rheumatology
