Pharmacology of argatroban.
Research article published in Expert review of hematology (2010)
Abstract
Argatroban is a synthetic, small-molecule direct thrombin inhibitor that is approved in the USA, the EU and Japan for prophylaxis or treatment of thrombosis in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), and for anticoagulation of HIT patients undergoing PCI. Argatroban binds reversibly to, and inhibits both soluble and clot-bound thrombin. Argatroban does not generate antibodies, is not susceptible to degradation by proteases and is cleared hepatically. It has a predictable anticoagulant effect and there is a good correlation between dose, plasma concentration and pharmacodynamic effect. Initial clinical studies suggest that further investigations to establish the use of argatroban in ischemic stroke, acute coronary syndrome, hemodialysis, blood oxygenation, off-pump cardiac surgery and other clinical indications are warranted.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Pharmacology of argatroban.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
This article discusses the pharmacology of argatroban, described in the abstract as a synthetic, small-molecule direct thrombin inhibitor approved in the USA, EU, and Japan for prophylaxis or treatment of thrombosis in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and for anticoagulation of HIT patients undergoing PCI. The abstract details argatroban's reversible binding to both soluble and clot-bound thrombin, its hepatic clearance, resistance to protease degradation, and predictable anticoagulant effect, and notes that initial clinical studies suggest further investigations in ischemic stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and other indications are warranted. The abstract contains no mention of leeches, hirudotherapy, hirudin, or the leech secretome, so its relevance to the American Society of Hirudotherapy is not supported by this article.
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 28, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026