Heparin belongs to a group of medications known as anticoagulants. Anticoagulants work by reducing coagulability and helping Stop clots to form in blood vessels. Anticoagulants are sometimes referred to as “blood thinners,” although they do not actually agitate the blood. Heparin does not dissolve the already formed blood clots, but could prevent the formation of formed clots, which increase and cause serious problems.
It is used during dialysis, blood transfusions and blood sampling. It is also given prior to surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots.
It was approved in 1939 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Heparin Uses
Heparin can be used to treat and prevent the following conditions and symptoms:
- Prevention of peripheral artery thromboembolism
- Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
- Blood clot in the lung
- Prevention of blood clot in the lung
- Blood clotting disorders
- Peripheral artery obstruction
- Heart attack
- Acute syndrome of the heart
- Blood clot in a deep vein
- Treatment of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, unstable angina pectoris and acute peripheral arterial occlusion.
- Prevention of blood clot following percutaneous coronary intervention
Heparin Mechanism of Action
Heparin interacts with the natural plasma protein antithrombin III to induce a
Conformational change that significantly improves the activity of the antithrombin III serine protease,
As a result, the activated coagulation factors, in particular Xa, are involved in the coagulation sequence
and IIa. Small amounts of heparin inhibit the Xa factor and larger amounts inhibit thrombin (Factor IIa).
Heparin also prevents the formation of a stable fibrin clot by inhibiting the activation of fibrin
Stabilizing factor. Heparin has no fibrinolytic activity. Therefore, the existing lumps will not lyse.
Heparin reversibly binds to antithrombin III (ATIII) and leads to an almost immediate inactivation of factors IIa and Xa. The heparin-ATIII complex may also inactivate factors IX, XI, XII and plasmin. The mechanism of action of heparin is ATIII-dependent. It works primarily by accelerating the neutralization rate of some antithrombin-activated coagulation factors, but other mechanisms may be involved. The antithrombotic effect of heparin correlates well with the inhibition of factor Xa. Heparin is not thrombolytic or fibrinolytic. Prevents the progression of existing blood clots by inhibiting further coagulation. The lysis of the existing clots is based on endogenous thrombolytics.
Heparin Mechanism of Action is by stopping the formation of blood clots in the veins. It can prevent the formation of blood clots or stop the formation of blood clots that are formed by the increase.
Pregnancy and Heparin
- It is not known if heparin can harm an unborn child. However, this drug is sometimes used alone or with aspirin to prevent loss of pregnancy or other problems in pregnant women. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using heparin during pregnancy.
- This drug doesn’t cross the Breast milk but Do not use this medicine during breast-feeding without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine
- Allergic to it; or other ingredients contained in these formulations.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, in particular about: bleeding / blood problems (such as low platelet count, hemophilia), high blood pressure (hypertension), heart problems (such as heart attack, heart attack).
- To reduce the risk of cuts, bruises or injuries, be careful with sharp objects such as razors and nail clippers and avoid activities such as contact sports.
- should not be administered by intramuscular injection or after major trauma.
- This medicine can cause stomach bleeding. Daily alcohol intake during the use of this medicine increases the risk of stomach bleeding. Limit alcoholic beverages.
- Tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs and herbal products).
- Caution should be exercised in older adults, particularly women over the age of 60, who may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, particularly bleeding.
- Heparin should only be used in pregnant women when clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It does not enter breast milk. Ask your doctor before breast-feeding.
Heparin Side effects
More common side effects
The more common side effects of this drug include:
- Bleeding that takes longer to stop
- Bruising more easily
- Allergic reactions, such as hives, chills, and fever
- Increased liver enzymes on liver function test results
- Irritation, pain, redness, or sores at the injection site
- Dizziness
- Weakness
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
- Headaches
- Serious allergic reactions.
- Severe bleeding.
- Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Interaction
Medications that increase the risk of bleeding will add to the effects of heparin and further increase the risk of bleeding that is associated with heparin. Such medications include
- Aspirin,
- Clopidogrel
- Warfarin,
- Other anticoagulants,
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Diclofenac and others.
Heparin Doses
Adult Heparin Dose
Continuous Intravenous Infusion
- Usual Adult Initial Dose of Heparin for Deep Vein Thrombosis is 10,000 units IV infusion
and then a Maintenance dose of 5000 to 10,000 units IV every 4 to 6 hours. - Usual Adult initial Dose for Deep Vein Thrombosis (Prophylaxis) is
5000 units by IV continous infusion and a Maintenance dose of 20,000 to 40,000 units per 24 hours by continuous IV infusion. - Usual Adult and initial Dose for Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation is 5000 units by Continuous IV infusion and then Maintenance dose of 20,000 to 40,000 units per 24 hours by continuous IV infusion.
- Usual Adult initial Dose of Heparin for Pulmonary Embolism 5000 units by Continuous IV infusion and then Maintenance dose of 20,000 to 40,000 units per 24 hours by continuous IV infusion.
- Usual Adult initial Dose for Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder is 5000 units by Continuous IV infusion and then a Maintenance dose of 20,000 to 40,000 units per 24 hours by continuous IV infusion.
- Usual Adult Dose for Blood Transfusion is Addition of 400 to 600 USP units per 100 mL of whole blood is usually employed to prevent coagulation.
Intermittent Intravenous Injection
- Usual initial dose is 10,000 Units, in 50—100 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. Then After every 4-6 hours 5000—10,000 Units, in 50—100 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection.
Pediatric Dosing
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on the use of this drug in pediatric patients. Recommendations for pediatric dosing are based on clinical experience. In general, the following dosage regimen can be used as a guide in pediatric patients:
- However the Starting dose is 75 to 100 units / kg (IV bolus in 10 minutes) while the Maintenance dose infants: 25 to 30 units / kg /h.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if Heparin overdose occur?
Symptoms of overdose include
- Nosebleeds,
- Slight bruises,
- Black or tarry stools
- Urine or bowel movements, or
- Any bleeding that does not stop.
If you Feel these symptoms immediately call ambulance.
2. What happens if i miss a dose of Heparin?
Contact your doctor for instructions if you forget to take a dose of this drug.
3. Should I use Heparin on an empty stomach before or after meals?
warfarin is an oral drug while this is not an oral drug it is given in Intravenous dose. This drug should be used daily as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
4. Is it safe to use Heparin if you are pregnant?
According to Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists This drug does not cross the placenta, and therefore is considered to be safe in pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this during pregnancy.
5. Is Heparin Safe During Breastfeeding?
According to NHS Bristol There is no evidence that this drug passes into breast milk. If any small amounts are passed into your breast milk it is broken down by stomach acids therefore any absorption by a breastfed baby is negligible. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking this drug.
6. What is heparin used to treat?
It can be used to treat and prevent the following conditions and symptoms:
- Prevention of peripheral artery thromboembolism
- Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
- Blood clot in the lung
- Prevention of blood clot in the lung
- Blood clotting disorders
It is used to prevent and treat other conditions. See above “uses”