Desirudin
CLINICAL USE
Prophylaxis of DVT in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery
DOSE IN NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION
15 mg 5–15 minutes before surgery then 15 mg twice daily for 9–12 days or until mobile
PHARMACOKINETICS
DOSE IN RENAL IMPAIRMENT
GFR (mL/MIN)
31–60 Initially 5 mg twice daily. Aim for APTT <0.85 seconds<31 Initially 1.7 mg twice daily and monitor APTT
DOSE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPIES
IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS
Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugsAnticoagulants, antiplatelets, fondaparinux, NSAIDs, heparin and dextran – increased risk of bleeding
ADMINISTRATION
Reconstition
With diluent supplied
Route
SC
Rate of Administration
–
Comments
–
OTHER INFORMATION
The effect is poorly reversible APTT levels can be reduced by IV DDAVP Available on a named patient basis from Aventis Pharma7% of dose is metabolised by the kidneys