What is the recommended treatment for a heparin/Lovenox overdose?

The recommended treatment for a heparin or Lovenox (enoxaparin) overdose is protamine sulfate. This medication acts as an antidote by neutralizing the anticoagulant effects of heparin, thereby reversing its effects in the bloodstream. Protamine sulfate binds to heparin and forms a stable complex that prevents heparin from exerting its activity on coagulation factors, thus restoring normal clotting function.

When it comes to Lovenox, though its mechanism and action differ slightly from heparin, low doses of protamine sulfate can still be effective in reversing its effects, especially in cases of significant overdose. This makes protamine sulfate a first-line treatment for managing complications arising from excessive heparin or Lovenox administration.

Other treatments mentioned, such as vitamin K, activated charcoal, and cryoprecipitate, are not appropriate for addressing heparin or Lovenox overdose. Vitamin K is used for reversing the effects of vitamin K antagonists like warfarin, while activated charcoal is primarily used for poisonings but is not effective for reversing anticoagulant effects. Cryoprecipitate is a source of clotting factors primarily used to treat significant bleeding or coagulopathy, but it