Although adverse reactions to intravenous intramuscular or subcutaneous injection of 0.9% benzyl alcohol are not known to occur in man, experimental studies of small volume parenteral preparations containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol in several species of animals have indicated that an estimated intravenous dose up to 30 mL may be safely given to an adult without toxic effects. Administration of an estimated 9 mL to 6 kg infant is potentially capable of producing blood pressure changes.

Heparin Lock Flush Solution is not known to cause adverse local or systemic effects of any kind. Although a remote possibility of hypersensitivity reaction exists with entry of extremely small subtherapeutic amounts of the solution into the circulation, such an occurrence has not been reported.

As Heparin Lock Flush Solution, USP is intended only for use in maintaining potency of intravenous injection devices, no additives should be made to multiple-dose vials.

Oral anticoagulants: Heparin sodium may prolong the one-stage prothrombin time. Therefore, when heparin sodium is given with dicumarol or warfarin sodium, a period of at least 5 hours after the last intravenous dose should elapse before blood is drawn if a valid PROTHROMBIN time is to be obtained.

Platelet inhibitors: Drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid, dextran, phenylbutazone, ibuprofen, indomethacin, dipyridamole, hydroxychloroquine and others that interfere with platelet-aggregation reactions (the main hemostatic defense of heparinized patients) may induce bleeding and should be used with caution in patients receiving heparin sodium.

Other interactions: Digitalis, tetracyclines, nicotine, antihistamines or I.V. nitroglycerin may partially counteract the anticoagulant action of heparin sodium.

Drug/Laboratory Interactions

Hyperaminotransferasemia: Significant elevations of aminotransferase (SGOT [5-AST] and SGPT [S-ALT]) levels have occurred in a high percentage of patients (and healthy subjects) who have received heparin. Since aminotransferase determinations are important in the differential diagnosis of myocardial infarction, liver disease, and pulmonary emboli, rises that might be caused by drugs (like heparin) should be interpreted with caution.

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