Name

heparin sodium

Class

Anticoagulant

Description/Mechanism

Exerts a direct effect on blood coagulation by binding with and enhancing the actions of antithrombin III (heparin cofactor). Antithrombin III binds with and inactivates excess thrombin in order to limit the spread of regionalized clotting activity. By decreasing the amount of available thrombin, fibrinogen is prevented from converting to fibrin and new clots are not made. The antithrombin III-heparin complex is ~1000 X as effective as antithrombin III alone. Heparin does not lyse already existing thrombi (and is therefore NOT a thrombolytic) but may prevent their extension and propagation.

Onset

IV: < 1 minute

SQ: 20-60 minutes

Duration

4-8 hours

Indications

Acute myocardial infarction

Unstable Angina

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Active bleeding

Recent intracranial, intraspinal or eye surgery

Severe hypertension

Bleeding tendencies

Adverse Reactions

Allergic reaction (chills, fever, back pain)

Thrombocytopenia (low blood platelets)

Hemorrhage

Drug Interactions

Salicylates, some antibiotics and quinidine may increase risk of bleeding

Supplied

1,000-40,000 U/ml

Dose/Administration

Adult

IV: 80 IU/kg followed by...

Infusion 18 IU/kg/hr titrated to PTT values when available.

Pediatric

IV: 50 IU/kg followed by...

Infusion: 50-100 IU/kg every 4 hours

Special Consideration

Pregnancy Safety: C