Thrombin
Thrombin is a topical hemostatic agent used to control bleeding during surgical procedures. It works by directly promoting clot formation at bleeding sites, making it particularly useful when conventional hemostatic methods are insufficient or impractical.
Topical hemostatic agent that promotes blood clotting to control surgical bleeding.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B02BC06
- RxNorm
- 10528
- Generic
- Thrombin
- Class
- atc-b02
- Brands
- TachoSil, Raplixa, EVARREST, Evicel, Vistaseal, Tisseel, Thrombin-JMI, Evithrom, Recothrom, Artiss
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical, nasal
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, powder, patch, solution, spray
- 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
- apply to bleeding surface as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- intraoperative use only
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- apply to bleeding surface as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- intraoperative use only
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- apply to bleeding surface as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- intraoperative use only
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse only if clearly needed
avoid unless benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use only during surgical procedures when benefit justifies risk
fetal monitoring during procedures
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding as topical application has minimal systemic absorption
none required
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment
use standard dosing; monitor for thromboembolic events particularly in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities
monitor for signs of thrombosis or embolism
pediatric_age
neonatesuse lowest effective dose
use with extreme caution in neonates especially premature infants due to developing coagulation system
close monitoring of coagulation parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenno specific adjustment
can be used in pediatric patients with standard dosing for indicated procedures
standard surgical monitoring
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
topical application results in minimal systemic absorption; no dose modification required
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
use standard dosing as topical thrombin has negligible systemic absorption
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
topical use; limited systemic absorption makes dose adjustment unnecessary
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
coagulation factor deficiency may exist; monitor coagulation parameters before and after use
monitor coagulation profile and for excessive bleeding or clotting
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Topical thrombin hemostatic agents
Common uses
Control of surgical bleeding
Mechanism of action
Hemostatic mechanism
Used to control mild to moderate bleeding during surgical procedures, particularly when conventional techniques like suturing or ligature are ineffective, impractical, or not possible. Commonly used in cardiovascular, abdominal, orthopedic, and neurosurgical procedures.
When applied to a bleeding wound surface, thrombin converts fibrinogen to fibrin, which polymerizes to form a stable fibrin clot. This mechanical seal stops bleeding by providing a scaffold for platelet aggregation and clot formation at the site of application.
For topical use only—do not inject intravascularly. Should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to thrombin or fibrinogen. May cause immune responses in some patients. Should be stored according to manufacturer specifications and used within specified timeframes after reconstitution.
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