Here is the complete, confirmed answer:
Protamine Sulphate - Heparin Neutralization
Standard Dose Relationship
| Amount | Neutralizes |
|---|
| 1 mg protamine sulphate | ~100 units of heparin |
| 1 mL protamine sulphate (standard 10 mg/mL formulation) | ~1,000 units of heparin |
So the direct answer to your question: 1 mL of protamine sulphate (10 mg/mL) neutralizes approximately 1,000 units of heparin.
Key Clinical Points
Dosing ratio: 1 to 1.3 mg of protamine per 100 units of heparin is the standard range used in practice.
Maximum dose: Do not exceed 50 mg per single dose (excessive protamine itself has anticoagulant activity and can inhibit platelet function).
Upper limit guideline: Keep the protamine:heparin ratio below 2.6 mg per 100 units - doses above this ratio prolong ACT and increase bleeding risk (Miller's Anesthesia, Class IIa, Level C).
Timing matters (for LMWH):
- If given within 8 hours of enoxaparin: 1 mg protamine per 1 mg enoxaparin
- If >8 hours or bleeding continues: 0.5 mg protamine per 1 mg enoxaparin
- For dalteparin/tinzaparin: 1 mg protamine per 100 units
Adverse effects: Give slowly over 5-10 minutes to avoid vasodilation, hypotension, and rare catastrophic reactions (pulmonary hypertension, myocardial depression). Risk is higher in patients previously on NPH insulin (which contains protamine).
Heparin rebound: Can occur ~1 hour after protamine neutralization due to redistribution of peripherally bound heparin. May require a supplemental dose of 25-50 mg protamine.
Sources: Miller's Anesthesia 10e; Morgan & Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology 7e; Medscape Protamine dosing