Who can administer
Administration RESTRICTED - see Appendix 1
Important information
- May be used only in Cardiothoracic surgery on Consultant advice
- Unlicensed preparation in Ireland
- IMPORTANT: The ACT is NOT the same as the APTT. Results are not interchangeable.
Available preparations
Bivalirudin 250mg vial
Reconstitution
Water for injection
- Add 5mL per 250mg vial
- Swirl gently until fully dissolved and the solution is clear
- Reconstitution may take 3 to 4 minutes to be complete
- Dilute further prior to administration
- Take 5mL (250mg) of reconstitution solution and add to 45mL infusion fluid to produce a 5mg per mL solution- this diluted solution is used for both the bolus dose and the infusion (ref 1)
Infusion fluids
Glucose 5% or Sodium Chloride 0.9%
Methods of intravenous administration
Bolus intravenous injection (Cardiac surgery)
- Administer required dose as a rapid IV push
Continuous intravenous infusion (Cardiac surgery)
- Using a 5mg per ml solution (250mg in 50mL) - set up the continuous infusion
- Adjust dose as per Q pulse document
Dose in adults
GUH: Only used in Cardiothoracic surgery
Monitoring
Storage
References
1 Injectable Medicines guide, Medusa- downloaded Feb 7th, 2024
SPC (US product)
Therapeutic classification
Anticoagulant
