Which medication would you give to reverse the effects of heparin?

Protamine sulfate is the medication specifically used to reverse the anticoagulant effects of heparin. Heparin is an anticoagulant that works by inhibiting thrombin and factor Xa, and its effects can lead to increased bleeding risk. When there is a need to reverse heparin's action, particularly in situations such as surgery or when a patient experiences major bleeding, protamine sulfate is administered.

Protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin by forming a stable complex with it. This rapid reversal is crucial in acute situations where heparin has caused excessive anticoagulation. The effectiveness of protamine sulfate is most pronounced when heparin is given intravenously and can be closely monitored.

Other medications listed serve different purposes. Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant that requires several hours to days for reversal and is not effective in the acute setting. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent used to prevent thrombosis but does not reverse heparin. Aminocaproic acid is used to treat bleeding conditions related to fibrinolysis but is not effective against heparin's anticoagulation effects.