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Pronunciation

HEP-a-rin

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: anticoagulants

Pharmacologic Classification: antithrombotics

Indications

High Alert

Action

Therapeutic Effects:

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Erratically absorbed following SUBQ or IM administration. IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Widely distributed to tissues.

Metabolism/Excretion: Probably removed by the reticuloendothelial system (lymph nodes, spleen).

Half-life: 1–2 hr ( with increasing dose); affected by obesity, renal and hepatic function, malignancy, presence of PE, and infections.

Time/Action Profile

(anticoagulant effect)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
SUBQ20–60 min2 hr8–12 hr
IVimmediate5–10 min2–6 hr

Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Exercise Extreme Caution in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

Derm: alopecia (long-term use), rash, urticaria.

F and E: hyperkalemia.

GI: liver enzymes.

Hemat: anemia, BLEEDING, HIT (WITH OR WITHOUT THROMBOSIS).

Local: pain at injection site.

MS: osteoporosis (long-term use).
Misc: fever, hypersensitivity reactions.

Interactions

Heparin is frequently used concurrently or sequentially with other agents affecting coagulation. The risk of potentially serious interactions is greatest with full anticoagulation.

Drug-Drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Route/Dosage

see Calculator

Therapeutic Anticoagulation

Prophylaxis of Thromboembolism

Cardiovascular Surgery

Line Flushing

Total Parenteral Nutrition

Arterial Line Patency

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations: Toxicity and Overdose:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes