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Heparin, also known as unfractionated heparin (UFH), is a medication and naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan. [3] [4] Heparin is a blood anticoagulant that increases the activity of antithrombin. [5] It is used in the treatment of heart attacks and unstable angina. [3] It can be given intravenously or by injection under the skin. [3]
Apart from using unfractionated heparin instead, it may be possible to reduce the dose and/or monitor the anti-Xa activity to guide treatment. [3] The most common side effects include bleeding, which could be severe or even fatal, allergic reactions, injection site reactions, and increases in liver enzyme tests, usually without symptoms. [13]
An anticoagulant, commonly known as a blood thinner, is a chemical substance that prevents or reduces the coagulation of blood, prolonging the clotting time. [1] Some occur naturally in blood-eating animals, such as leeches and mosquitoes, which help keep the bite area unclotted long enough for the animal to obtain blood.
Heparin may be used for both prevention and the treatment of thrombosis. It exists in two main forms: an "unfractionated" form that can be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) or through an intravenous infusion, and a "low molecular weight" form that is generally given
The evidence did not identify any difference between the effects of different blood thinners on death, developing a clot, or bleeding. [2] A 2021 review found that low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was superior to unfractionated heparin in the initial treatment of venous thromboembolism for people with cancer. [3]
Other anticoagulants cannot be taken by mouth. These parenteral (non-oral) medicines include low-molecular-weight heparin, fondaparinux, and unfractionated heparin. Some oral medicines are sufficient when taken alone, while others require the use of an additional parenteral blood thinner.
Dalteparin is a low molecular weight heparin.It is marketed as Fragmin.Like other low molecular weight heparins, dalteparin is used for prophylaxis or treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack. [2]
Protamine sulfate is a medication that is used to reverse the effects of heparin. [3] It is specifically used in heparin overdose, in low molecular weight heparin overdose, and to reverse the effects of heparin during delivery and heart surgery. [3] [4] It is given by injection into a vein. [3] The onset of effects is typically within five ...