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Argatroban Dosage
Your healthcare provider will determine your dose of argatroban based on how much you weigh, the reason you are receiving this drug, and various other factors. Argatroban is given by an intravenous infusion (an "IV drip") in a healthcare setting. You will be monitored closely with blood tests while receiving this drug, until an appropriate dosage is determined.
An Introduction to Dosing With Argatroban
The dose of argatroban your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on several factors, including:- Your weight
- The reason you are receiving argatroban (to prevent or treat a clot, or for angioplasty)
- Other medical conditions you may have
- How you respond to the medication.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
Argatroban Dosage for HIT
The standard dosage of argatroban for treating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is based on your body weight, 2 mcg/kg/minute, given as a continuous intravenous infusion (an "IV drip"). A few hours later, a blood test will be done to see if this is an appropriate dosage, and the amount will be adjusted if necessary. When treating HIT with argatroban, the aPTT test (activated partial thromboplastin time) is used to monitor this drug.Argatroban Dosage for Angioplasty
The standard dosage of argatroban used during angioplasty in people with HIT (or who are at risk for HIT) involves a continuous IV drip, as well as a single, one-time "bolus dose." The bolus dose is usually 350 mcg/kg given over three to five minutes. A continuous IV drip of 25 mcg/kg/minute is also started.About 5 to 10 minutes after the bolus dose is completed, a test known as the activated clotting time (ACT) is done to see if the argatroban dose was adequate. If the amount was not adequate, or if it was too much, the dosage will be adjusted and the ACT test performed again. This is done until an acceptable result is seen, after which the angioplasty can proceed.
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Argatroban Medication Information
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD