This protocol is suitable for patients with or suspeced of HIT or another reason for argatroban anticoagulation.
No initial bolus is used for argatroban.
Initial dose for patients with normal liver function is 1 mcg/kg/min.
Initial dose for patients with moderate-severe liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh classes B and C) is 0.5 mcg/kg/min.
For critically ill patients consider a lower initial dose of 0.2-0.5 mcg/kg/min.
Goal aPTT is 45-70 seconds.
The first aPTT is obtained 2 hours after initial infusion is started.
Once 2 consecutive aPTTs are between 45-70 seconds, repeat aPTT every 12 hours.
Notify physician for 2 consecutive aPTTs < 45 or > 70 seconds.
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