II. Indications

  1. DVT Prophylaxis after hip surgery

III. Mechanism

  1. Hirudin Direct Thrombin Inhibitor
    1. Bivalent peptide derivatives from Salivary Gland of medicinal leaches

IV. Dosing

  1. DVT Prophylaxis after hip surgery
    1. Administer 15 mg SQ every 12 hours after hip surgery
    2. GFR 31 to 60 ml/min
      1. Reduce dose to 5 mg SQ every 12 hours
    3. GFR <=30 ml/min
      1. Reduce dose to 1.7 mg SC every 12 hours
      2. Avoid repeat dosing (risk of Anaphylaxis)

V. Adverse Effects

  1. Major Bleeding
  2. Allergic Reaction
    1. Serious Allergic Reactions including Anaphylaxis may occur with Hirudins
    2. Highest risk on Hirudin re-exposure or in GFR <30 ml/min

VI. Safety

  1. Pregnancy Category C
  2. Unknown safety in Lactation

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