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Heparin Sodium

  •  
    Subcut / IV
    Heparin Sodium

    • Mechanism of Action
    • Binds to and activates antithrombin III, which as a heparin-ATIII complex inactivates factors IIa (thrombin) and Xa
    • Pharmacology
    • Variable bioavailability, non-linear pharmacokinetics and unpredictable response.
    • Effective half-life is 90 minutes subcutaneously, or 30 minutes intravenously.
    • Reversed with protamine sulfate.

Clinical Use

    • Indications
    • Prevention of venous thromboembolism (DVT / PE)
    • Treatment of venous thromboembolism (DVT / PE)
    • ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
    • Bridging anticoagulation for initiation / withholding of warfarin
    • Prevention of thrombosis during haemodialysis
    • Acute limb ischaemia (unfractionated heparin)
    • Adverse Effects
    • Haemorrhage
    • Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia (HIT) - thrombocytopaenia with arterial and venous thrombosis
    • Hypersensitivity
    • Skin necrosis
    • Monitoring
    • Intravenous heparin is monitored using activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Alternatively (particularly in the setting of antiphospholipid syndrome), a heparin anti-factor Xa assay can be used.

Potential Indications
BETA

ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Acute Limb Ischaemia
Deep Venous Thrombosis
Pulmonary Embolus

Associated Adverse Effects
BETA

Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopaenia
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopaenia
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