Heparin (Heparin) Drug Center: Guide to Drug Information for Professionals, Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Heparin

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) »

Introduction to deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Arteries have thin muscles within their walls to be able to withstand the pressure of the heart pumping blood to the far reaches of the body. Veins don't have a significant muscle lining, and there is nothing pumping blood back to the heart except physiology. Blood returns to the heart because the body's large muscles squeeze the veins as they contract in their normal activity of moving the body. The normal activities of moving the body returns the blood back to the heart.

There are two types of veins in the leg; superficial veins and deep veins. Superficial veins lie just below the skin and are easily seen on the surface. Deep veins, as their name implies, are located deep within the muscles of the leg. Blood flows from the superficial veins into the deep venous system through small perforator veins. Superficial and perforator veins have one-way valves within them that allow blood to flow only in the direc...

Read the Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) article »

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Heparin Drug Center

Medical Editor: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Prescribing Information

For Patients

Heparin (heparin sodium injectable) is a heterogeneous group of straight-chain anionic mucopolysaccharides, called glycosaminoglycans that have anticoagulant properties. They are derived from porcine intestinal mucosa and standardized into international units. Heparin is available as generic heparin and under other generic brand names. Heparin is used to help prevent clot formation (for example, venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolisms, coagulopathies and coronary artery clots). Common side effects of Heparin are easy bleeding and bruising.

Heparin is available in vials at strengths of 1000, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000 units per ml. Dosage depends on the coagulation problem; many initial doses start with 5000 units IV, but this can change depending on the problem; guidelines for dosages are available. If benzyl alcohol is listed as a preservative for the Heparin preparation, do not use in neonates and infants or nursing mothers. If preparations without benzyl alcohol are used in pediatric patients, the initial dose is usually 50 units per Kg but a pediatric specialist should be consulted. Thrombocytopenia, Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT) are serious side effects of heparin. Drugs like digitalis, tetracycline, nicotine or antihistamines may reduce the effect of Heparin. Heparin use with antiplatelet medications may induce bleeding. Patients on Heparin should be aware of the increased possibility of bleeding due to trauma, especially head trauma.

Our Heparin Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases, and conditions.

What is Prescribing information?

The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.

Heparin Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage

Heparin Sodium Structural Formula Illustration

Heparin sodium is indicated for:

Atrial fibrillation with embolization:

Treatment of acute and chronic consumption coagulopathies (disseminated intravascular coagulation);
Prevention of clotting in arterial and heart surgery;
Anticoagulant therapy in prophylaxis and treatment of venous thrombosis and its extension;
(In a low-dose regimen) for prevention of postoperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing major abdomino-thoracic surgery or who for other reasons are at risk of developing thromboembo...

Read the complete drug monograph for Heparin »

What is Heparin Prescribing Information?

Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More

What is Patient information?

Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.

Heparin Patient Information: Side Effects

Heparin can cause you to have bleeding episodes while you are using it and for several weeks after you stop. Call your doctor at once if you have easy bruising or unusual bleeding, such as a nosebleed, blood in your urine or stools, black or tarry stools, or any bleeding that will not stop.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: nausea, vomiting, sweating, hives, itching, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or feeling like you might pass out..

Some people receiving a heparin injection have had a react...

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What is Heparin Patient Information?

Possible Side Effects - Images - What Is - How Should I Take It - What If I Miss a Dose - What Should I Avoid and More

What is Consumer information?

A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.

Heparin Consumer Information: Uses

This medication is used to prevent and treat blood clots. It may be used to treat blood clots in the lungs/legs. It may also be used to prevent blood clots after surgery, during dialysis, when collecting blood samples, or when a person is unable to move for a long time. Heparin helps to keep blood flowing smoothly by making a certain natural substance in your body (anti-clotting protein) work better. It is known as an anticoagulant.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein or under the skin (subcutaneously) as directed by your d...

Read the complete consumer information for Heparin »