Details

Aprotinin is used for reducing blood loss and the need for blood transfusions in patients undergoing certain types of heart surgery. Aprotinin is a protease inhibitor. It works by reducing the inflammatory response associated with cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in aprotinin or you have received aprotinin within the past 12 months.

Typical Uses

Aprotinin is derived from bovine lung tissue, which inhibits certain enzymes that increase the risk for bleeding. This medication is a protease inhibitor, prescribed for reducing blood loss and the need for blood transfusion in patients undergoing complex surgery, such as heart and liver surgery.

Side Effects

Aprotinin has certain side effects including fever, infection, chest pain, weakness, sepsis, death, multi-system organ failure, immune system disorder, low blood pressure, fast heart rate, heart attack and heart failure, nausea, constipation, vomiting, liver failure, jaundice and diarrhoea, anaemia, increased liver enzyme level, high blood sugar, decreased potassium levels, confusion, agitation, anxiety and sleeplessness, lung disorder, pleural effusion, difficulty in breathing, increased cough, asthma and shortness of breath, abnormal kidney function, urinary retention and urinary tract infection and fatal anaphylactic reactions.

Drug Interactions

• Aprotinin+anti-inhibitor coagulant complex- Using aprotinin together with anti-inhibitor coagulant complex may increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to serious complications such as stroke, pulmonary embolism (blockage of pulmonary artery), heart attack, heart failure, collapse, and kidney failure.

• Aprotinin+Bebulin- Using aprotinin together with bebulin may increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to serious complications such as stroke, pulmonary embolism (blockage of pulmonary artery), heart attack, heart failure, collapse, and kidney failure.

• Aprotinin+prothrombin complex- Using aprotinin together with prothrombin complex may increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to serious complications such as stroke, pulmonary embolism (blockage of pulmonary artery), heart attack, heart failure, collapse, and kidney failure.

• Aprotinin+tretinoin- Talk to your doctor before using tretinoin together with aprotinin. Combining these medications may increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to serious conditions such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, collapse, and kidney failure. The risk is greatest during the first month of treatment with tretinoin.

Mechanism of action

Aprotinin belongs to a category of drugs called as antifibrinolytics. It acts by sealing the broken tissues and inhibiting the degradation of blood clot thereby maintaining the clot for a longer period of time.

Pregnancy Category : B