Pharmacological studies on the antithrombotic action of hirudin in experimental animals.

The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of hirudin were studied in dogs, rabbits and rats. Hirudin proved to be a well tolerated substance with low toxicity. After intravenous injection it was eliminated with a half time of 50 to 60 min. It was nearly completely excreted through the kidneys in biologically active form. The efficacy of hirudin in preventing venous thrombosis, vascular shunt occlusion and disseminated intravascular coagulation in rats was demonstrated.