HEPARIN SODIUM

Anticoagulant

Brand names: Heparin Sodium, DEFENCATH

Intravenous, Subcutaneous

Mechanism of Action

12.1 Mechanism of Action Heparin interacts with the naturally occurring plasma protein, Antithrombin III, to induce a conformational change, which markedly enhances the serine protease activity of Antithrombin III, thereby inhibiting the activated coagulation factors involved in the clotting sequence, particularly Xa and IIa. Small amounts of heparin inhibit Factor Xa, and larger amounts inhibit thrombin (Factor IIa). Heparin also prevents the formation of a stable fibrin clot by inhibiting the activation of the fibrin stabilizing factor. Heparin does not have fibrinolytic activity; therefore, it will not lyse existing clots.

Indications

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Heparin Sodium Injection is indicated for: Prophylaxis and treatment of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

Prevention of postoperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing major abdominothoracic surgery or who

for other reasons

are at risk of developing thromboembolic disease

Atrial fibrillation with embolization

Treatment of acute and chronic consumptive coagulopathies (disseminated intravascular coagulation)

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to heparin or pork products (e.g.
• anaphylactoid reactions) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]
• In whom suitable blood coagulation tests
• e.g.
• the whole blood clotting time

FDA Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Fatal Medication Errors: Confirm choice of correct strength prior to administration ( 5
1 ) Hemorrhage: Fatal cases have occurred
Use caution in conditions with increased risk of hemorrhage ( 5
6 ) Hyperkalemia: Measure blood potassium in patients at risk of hyperkalemia before starting heparin therapy and periodically in all patients ( 5

Known Side Effects

7 documented side effects by frequency

Drug Not Working

>10%

Nausea

1-10%

Vomiting

1-10%

Low Blood Pressure

1-10%

Shortness of Breath

1-10%

Fever

1-10%

Abdominal Pain

0.1-1%

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Compare With

4 available comparisons

Formulations

Dosage Forms

Tablet

Route

Intravenous, Subcutaneous