Argatroban is a small molecule direct thrombin inhibitor. In 2000, argatroban was licensed by the FDA for prophylaxis or treatment of thrombosis in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. It is given intravenously. Argatroban is metabolized in the liver and has a half life of about 50 minutes. The United States Food and Drug Administration is the government agency responsible for regulating food, dietary supplements, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, biologics and blood products in the United States. ... Thrombosis is the formation of a clot or thrombus inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system. ... Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) with or without thombosis (HITT) is thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts) due to the administration of unfractionated heparin (UFH), it has also been observed with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), danaparoid and related medication. ... The liver is an organ in vertebrates, including humans. ...
It is made by GlaxoSmithKline. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) plc is a pharmaceutical, biologicals and healthcare company. ...
Argatroban is used to treat and reduce the risk of blood clots in patients who have had a reaction to heparin that resulted in reduced platelets and associated blood clots.
Argatroban is also used in patients undergoing certain heart procedures such as percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) who are at risk or have had a reaction to heparin that resulted in reduced platelets and associated blood clots.
Argatroban should not be given to individuals who have major bleeding.