TAUROLIDINE AND HEPARIN

12.1 Mechanism of Action Heparin Heparin interacts with the naturally occurring plasma protein, Antithrombin III, to induce a conformational change, which markedly enhances the serine protease activity of Antithrombin III, thereby inhibiting the activated coagulation factors involved in the clotting sequence, particularly Xa and IIa. Small amounts of heparin inhibit Factor Xa, and larger amounts inhibit thrombin (Factor IIa). Heparin also prevents the formation of a stable fibrin clot by inhibiting the activation of the fibrin stabilizing factor. Heparin does not have fibrinolytic activity; therefore, it will not lyse existing clots. Taurolidine Taurolidine is an antimicrobial drug [see Microbiology (12.4) ] .

Contraindications

• • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS DEFENCATH is contraindicated in patients with: Known heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Known hypersensitivity to taurolidine
• • heparin or the citrate excipient (components of DEFENCATH) or pork products [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Known heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to taurolidine
• • heparin or the citrate excipient (components of DEFENCATH)
• • or pork products. ( 4 )