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BLOOD AND BLOOD FORMING ORGANS › ANTITHROMBOTIC AGENTS › ANTITHROMBOTIC AGENTS › Enzymes
ancrod
B01AD09
Forms & Strengths
- Intravenous injection: 10 units/mL
Adult Dosing
- Initial dose: 1 unit/kg body weight IV over 2 hours
- Maintenance dose: 0.5 to 1 unit/kg IV every 12 hours adjusted to maintain plasma fibrinogen levels below 10 mg/dL
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established
Indications
- Treatment of thrombotic conditions including deep vein thrombosis and retinal vein occlusion (investigational/historical usage as a defibrinating agent)
Mechanism of Action
- Purified fraction from Malayan pit viper venom that acts as a thrombin-like enzyme, specifically cleaving fibrinopeptide A from fibrinogen to form unstable microfibrins which are rapidly cleared by the reticuloendothelial system and degraded by plasmin, resulting in profound defibrination and reduced blood viscosity
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to ancrod or snake venom products
- Active hemorrhage or high risk of bleeding
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Pregnancy due to risk of fetal hemorrhage and uterine stimulation
- Prior to immediate surgery
Adverse Reactions
- Major and minor hemorrhages
- Allergic and anaphylactoid reactions
- Fever and chills
- Injection site reactions
- Transient hypotension
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, warfarin) increase the risk of severe hemorrhage
- Antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) potentiate bleeding risk
- Thrombolytic agents concurrently administered drastically elevate hemorrhagic complications
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use