Final answer:
The antidote for too much heparin, an anticoagulant, is protamine sulfate, which can neutralize heparin by forming a stable complex. Correct dosage and careful monitoring are essential to avoid further complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The antidote for too much heparin, which is a short-acting anticoagulant, is protamine sulfate. Heparin works by enhancing the activity of antithrombin and subsequently inactivating factor X and opposing the conversion of prothrombin (factor II) into thrombin. When an overdose occurs, the use of protamine sulfate is indicated as it can bind to heparin, forming a stable complex and neutralizing its anticoagulant effect. It is crucial, however, to administer the correct dosage of protamine sulfate based on the amount of heparin that needs to be counteracted. An overuse of protamine can have anticoagulant effects of its own, so careful calculation and monitoring are required during its administration.