Argatroban
Argatroban is an anticoagulant medication used primarily for prevention and treatment of thrombosis in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). It works by directly inhibiting thrombin to prevent blood clot formation without requiring antithrombin III.
A direct thrombin inhibitor anticoagulant used primarily in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B01AE03
- RxNorm
- 15202
- Generic
- Argatroban
- Class
- atc-b01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
generaluse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus; avoid in first trimester unless absolutely necessary
regular fetal monitoring and uterine contractions assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during first trimester unless benefits significantly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
n/adiscontinue nursing or drug
not recommended during breastfeeding; decision should be made to either discontinue nursing or discontinue argatroban
monitor infant for bleeding signs if nursing continues
geriatric
n/ano specific adjustment; start at lower end of dosing range
use with caution; increased sensitivity to anticoagulant effects; monitor closely for bleeding
close monitoring of aPTT and signs of bleeding
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesnot recommended
not recommended for use in neonates due to limited safety and efficacy data
extensive monitoring required if used off-label
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
childrennot recommended
not recommended for use in children; limited clinical data available
close clinical and laboratory monitoring if used off-label
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment required
no dosage adjustment necessary; argatroban is primarily metabolized hepatically not renally
standard aPTT monitoring
renal_impairment
severeno adjustment required
no dosage adjustment required for renal impairment; however monitor for bleeding
aPTT monitoring and clinical assessment for bleeding
hepatic_impairment
mildconsider reduced initial dose
use with caution; may require reduced initial dose
more frequent aPTT monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severesignificant dose reduction required
reduce initial dose to 0.5 mcg/kg/min; use with extreme caution; clearance significantly reduced
frequent aPTT monitoring and clinical assessment for bleeding complications
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for argatroban
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Primary indication
Primary therapeutic use
Route of administration
Delivery method
Argatroban is indicated for prophylaxis or treatment of thrombosis in adult patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). It is also used for anticoagulation during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients at risk for HIT.
Argatroban is a direct thrombin inhibitor that reversibly binds to the active site of thrombin. Unlike heparin, it does not require antithrombin III for its anticoagulant activity and inhibits both free and clot-bound thrombin.
Argatroban is administered intravenously and requires regular monitoring of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). It may increase bleeding risk and should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. The drug has a short half-life, allowing for rapid reversal upon discontinuation.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy