Heparin is a prescription anticoagulant, commonly known as a blood thinner. It comes as a self-injectable solution for subcutaneous use and as an intravenous solution administered by a healthcare provider.
Heparin prevents the formation of blood clots and is used to reduce the risk of clots before surgery and in certain medical conditions.
Uses of Heparin
Prevention of Blood Clots:
Heparin is used to prevent blood clots in individuals with specific medical conditions or those undergoing procedures that increase the risk of clot formation.
Managing Existing Clots:
It helps reduce the growth of already-formed blood clots in the blood vessels.
Catheter Maintenance:
Heparin solutions are used in small amounts to prevent clots from forming in catheters left in veins for extended periods.
Conditions Heparin Treats
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
Atrial Fibrillation (to prevent clot formation)
Blood clot prevention after surgeries
Secondary or Off-label Uses
Preventing clotting in IV lines or catheters
Used in some cases of stroke prevention
Heparin flushes (low dose) to maintain catheter patency
How Does Heparin Work?
Heparin works by inhibiting the formation of blood clots. It enhances the activity of antithrombin III, a natural protein in your body that blocks thrombin and other clotting factors. This slows down the clotting process and prevents clots from forming or growing larger.
Dosage Instructions for Heparin
Typical Dosage Instructions
Dosage varies based on condition, weight, and patient response.
Given intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously by healthcare professionals.
Common doses range from 5, 000 to 10, 000 units, several times a day.
Form: Injectable solution, preservative-free
Strengths: 1, 000 units/mL, 10, 000 units/mL
Form: Injectable solution preserved with benzyl alcohol
Heparin can be used in both adults and children, but pediatric dosing requires careful monitoring. Use in elderly patients may require lower doses due to bleeding risk.
Warnings for Certain Health Groups
Sensitivity to Pork Protein: Avoid Heparin if you are sensitive or allergic to pork proteins.
Bleeding or Clotting Problems: Heparin can increase bleeding risk in people with these conditions.
Kidney Disease: Severe kidney disease may increase bleeding risk with Heparin use.
Liver Disease: Severe liver disease may also increase bleeding risk.
Alcohol or Food Interactions
Alcohol may increase the risk of bleeding.
No major food interactions, but maintain a balanced diet and monitor for bruising or bleeding.
Possible Interactions with Other Medications
Can Interact With:
Aspirin or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
Warfarin or other anticoagulants
Antiplatelet drugs (e.g., clopidogrel)
Herbal products like garlic, ginkgo, and ginger
These combinations can increase bleeding risk, so always inform your doctor about all medications and supplements.
How Should Heparin Be Stored?
Store at room temperature, between 20-25°C (68-77°F)
Protect from light and moisture
Do not freeze
Store out of reach of children.
Heparin vs Warfarin
Heparin
Warfarin
Heparin is a prescription drug which comes as a self-injectable solution which is injected under your skin. This also comes as a solution that healthcare provider injects intravenously.
Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant. It's a drug which inhibits the clotting of blood. This helps in preventing the formation of blood clots by reducing the production of factors from the liver that promotes clotting.
Heparin is a self-injectable solution used for preventing blood clots from forming in people who are having a certain medical condition or are undergoing certain medical procedures which increases the chance that clots will form.
The important uses of Warfarin are:
Helps in reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke and death
Helps in preventing blood clots with atrial fibrillation and heart valve replacement
Helps in treating blood clots in all the parts of the body.
Depends on the condition being treated; for DVT prevention, typically 5,000 units every 8–12 hours; higher doses may be used in emergencies under strict medical supervision.
Yes, Heparin can be kept in the refrigerator if recommended by the manufacturer or healthcare provider. However, it should not be frozen and must be brought to room temperature before use.
Duration varies: from few days after surgery or acute care to several weeks. Long-term use requires regular blood monitoring.
Heparin: Shorter-acting, requires close monitoring (via aPTT). Where as LMWH (e.g., Enoxaparin): Longer-acting, more predictable dosing, and less monitoring.
Heparin is generally considered safe during pregnancy as it does not cross the placenta, and is often used to treat clotting disorders in pregnant women.
Heparin has a short half-life of 1–2 hours, but its effects can last longer depending on dose and individual factors.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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