The Kingsley Clinic

Heparin Sodium: Anticoagulant Medication for Various Cardiovascular Conditions

US Brand Name (Generic Name):

{Heparin} ({Heparin Sodium})

Pharmacologic Category:

Anticoagulant; [{Unfractionated Heparin}]

Diseases Treated, Dosing, and Treatment Duration

{Deep Vein Thrombosis} (DVT) (Dose: 80 units/kg IV bolus, followed by 18 units/kg/h IV infusion; Duration: 5-10 days or until therapeutic oral anticoagulation is achieved)
{Pulmonary Embolism} (PE) (Dose: 80 units/kg IV bolus, followed by 18 units/kg/h IV infusion; Duration: 5-10 days or until therapeutic oral anticoagulation is achieved)
{Venous Thromboembolism} (VTE) Prophylaxis (Dose: 5,000 units subcutaneously every 8-12 hours; Duration: Throughout hospital stay or until risk decreases)
{Atrial Fibrillation} (AFib) Stroke Prevention (Dose: Individualized; Consult healthcare provider; Duration: As long as the risk for stroke persists)
{Acute Coronary Syndrome} (ACS) (Dose: 60 units/kg IV bolus, followed by 12 units/kg/h IV infusion; Duration: 48 hours or until revascularization)
{Myocardial Infarction} (MI) (Dose: 60 units/kg IV bolus, followed by 12 units/kg/h IV infusion; Duration: 48 hours or until revascularization)
{Unstable Angina} (Dose: 60 units/kg IV bolus, followed by 12 units/kg/h IV infusion; Duration: 48 hours or until revascularization)
{Peripheral Artery Disease} (PAD) (Dose: Individualized; Consult healthcare provider; Duration: Varies)
Prophylaxis of {Thromboembolic Complications} in Surgery Patients (Dose: 5,000 units subcutaneously 2 hours before surgery and then every 8-12 hours; Duration: Varies)
{Extracorporeal Circulation} (ECC) during {Hemodialysis} or {Cardiopulmonary Bypass} (Dose: Individualized; Consult healthcare provider; Duration: As long as the procedure lasts)

Dosage Forms and Strengths:

Injectable solution (1,000 units/mL, 5,000 units/mL, 10,000 units/mL, 20,000 units/mL)

Administration Instructions:

Administered subcutaneously or intravenously under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Dosage and administration vary depending on the condition being treated.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects:

Bleeding (varies): Excessive bleeding due to the anticoagulant effect of {Heparin}.
{Thrombocytopenia} (5-30%): Low platelet count, which can increase the risk of bleeding.
Injection site reactions (1-10%): Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
Hypersensitivity reactions (rare): Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.

Contraindications:

Active bleeding , history of {Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia} (HIT), severe thrombocytopenia, and hypersensitivity to {Heparin}.

Drug to Drug Interactions:

{Aspirin}, {nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)} (e.g., {ibuprofen} ({Advil}, {Motrin})), {Clopidogrel} ({Plavix}), {warfarin} ({Coumadin}), direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) (e.g., {apixaban} ({Eliquis}), {rivaroxaban} ({Xarelto})), and other anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with {Heparin}.

Is this medication safe to take when pregnant?

{Heparin} is classified as Pregnancy Category C. It does not cross the placenta, and there is no evidence of teratogenicity. However, it should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits justify the potential risks to the fetus. Always consult your healthcare provider before using {Heparin} during pregnancy.

Is this medication safe to take when breastfeeding?

{Heparin} is not known to be excreted in human milk. However, consult your healthcare provider before using {Heparin} while breastfeeding.

Estimate price of a 30-day supply:

The cost of {Heparin} varies depending on the dosage, form, and frequency of administration. Since {Heparin} is administered under the supervision of a healthcare provider, it is difficult to estimate the cost of a 30-day supply. It is best to consult your healthcare provider or check with a local pharmacy to obtain an accurate estimate.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.

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