Heparin Sodium

What it is and how it works

Mechanism of Action Heparin interacts with the naturally occurring plasma protein, Antithrombin III, to induce a conformational change, which markedly enhances the serine protease activity of Antithrombin III, thereby inhibiting the activated coagulation factors involved in the clotting sequence, particularly Xa and IIa. Small amounts of heparin inhibit Factor Xa, and larger amounts inhibit thrombin (Factor IIa). Heparin also prevents the formation of a stable fibrin clot by inhibiting the activation of the fibrin stabilizing factor. Heparin does not have fibrinolytic activity; therefore, it will not lyse existing clots.

Indications

Heparin Sodium Injection is indicated for: • Prophylaxis and treatment of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism; • Prevention of postoperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing major abdominothoracic surgery or who, for other reasons, are at risk of developing thromboembolic disease; • Atrial fibrillation with embolization; • Treatment of acute and chronic consumptive coagulopathies (disseminated intravascular coagulation); • Prevention of clotting in arterial and cardiac surgery; • Prophylaxis and treatment of peripheral arterial embolism. • Anticoagulant use in blood transfusions, extracorporeal circulation, and dialysis procedures.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Recommended Adult Dosages: • Therapeutic Anticoagulant Effect with Full-Dose Heparin † † Based on 150 lb (68 kg) patient. Adjust dose based on laboratory monitoring. Deep Subcutaneous (Intrafat) Injection Use a different site for each injection Initial Dose 5,000 units by intravenous injection, followed by 10,000 to 20,000 units of a concentrated solution, subcutaneously Every 8 hours or Every 12 hours 8,000 to 10,000 units of a concentrated solution 15,000 to 20,000 units of a concentrated solution Intermittent Intravenous Injection Initial dose 10,000 units, either undiluted or in 50 to 100 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP Every 4 to 6 hours 5,000 to 10,000 units, either undiluted…

Contraindications

The use of Heparin Sodium Injection is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions: • History of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis ; • Known hypersensitivity to heparin or pork products (e.g., anaphylactoid reactions) . • In whom suitable blood coagulation tests, e.g., the whole blood clotting time, partial thromboplastin time, etc., cannot be performed at appropriate intervals (this contraindication refers to full-dose heparin.

Warnings and precautions

• Fatal Medication Errors: Confirm choice of correct strength prior to administration • Hemorrhage: Fatal cases have occurred. Use caution in conditions with increased risk of hemorrhage • HIT and HITTS: Monitor for signs and symptoms and discontinue if indicative of HIT and HITTS • Monitoring: Blood coagulation tests guide therapy for full-dose heparin. • Monitor platelet count and hematocrit in all patients receiving heparin ( 5.5 , 5.6 ) Fatal Medication Errors Do not use Heparin Sodium Injection as a “catheter lock flush” product.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on Heparin Sodium Injection use in pregnant women to inform a drug- associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. In published reports, heparin exposure during pregnancy did not show evidence of an increased risk of adverse maternal or fetal outcomes in humans.

Storage and supply

Heparin Sodium Injection, USP preservative-free is available as: Product Code Unit of Sale Strength Each 757810 NDC 76045-108-10 Unit of 24 5,000 USP units per 1 mL NDC 76045-108-00 1 mL pre-filled single-dose syringe Discard unused portion Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) . Protect from freezing. Do not place syringe on a sterile field.

Source: Heparin Sodium (Heparin Sodium) — US FDA prescribing information, 2025-08-15, DailyMed. Summarised and shortened; the full label governs. Iranian registration, indications and labelling may differ.