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Heparin Type of Drug - Some Interactions occuring with Heparin

Type of Drug

Injectable anticoagulant; "blood thinner."

How the Drug Works

Heparin blocks the formation of fibrin (the framework for blood clots), pre venting blood clots from forming. It will not dissolve already-formed blood clots, but will prevent them from becoming larger.

Uses of Heparin

  • To prevent blood clots from forming.

  • To treat the extension of existing blood clots in veins, arteries, lungs, or heart.

  • To prevent blood-clotting complications of arterial and heart surgery, blood transfusions, artificial circulation (eg, heart-lung device), dialysis procedures, and blood samples for laboratory purposes.

Unlabeled Uses: To reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke; to decrease angina attacks.

Precautions

  • Do not use in the following situations: absence of blood coagulation tests (full-dose heparin only) allergy to the drug or any of its ingredients bleeding, uncontrolled intramuscular (IM; into a muscle) injection low platelet count, severe

  • Use with caution in the following situations: bleeding disorders (eg, high blood pressure, severe philia) increased lipoproteins (type III brain, spinal, or eye surgery hyperlipidemia) during or immediately following kidney disease, severe spinal tap, spinal anesthesia, liver disease, severe or major surgery (especially of menstruation the brain, spinal cord, or eye) ulcers heart problems (eg, aneurysm)

  • Allergy: Heparin is derived from animal (pork) tissue. Use with caution if there is a history of allergies.

  • Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits out­weigh the possible risks to the fetus. Heparin does not cross the placenta, but bleeding problems can occur.

  • Breastfeeding: Heparin does not appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

  • Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established in newborns. Elderly: Patients older than 60 years of age require lower doses. Frequent monitoring is required.

  • Lab Test: Lab tests are required to monitor treatment. Tests include Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT), Activated Coagulation Time (ACT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), platelet count, hematocrit, potassium, and occult blood tests for the stool and urine.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking this drug. Drug doses may need to be modified or a different drug prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this drug:

  • Anticoagulants, oral (eg, warfarin)

  • Antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine)

  • NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen)

  • Streptokinase (Streptase)

  • Digitalis (eg, digoxin)

  • Tetracyclines (eg, doxycycline)

Side Effects of Heparin

very drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

  • Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; tarry stools.

  • Circulatory Systom: Bleoding; chest pain; increased blood pressure.

  • Respiratory System: Asthma; difficulty breathing or swallowing.

  • Skin: Hives; itching; burning; irritation; mild pain, redness, or bruising at injection site; hair loss; unusual bleeding or bruising; discoloration.

Other: Chills; fever; tearing; joint pain; painful sustained erection; headache; abnormal blood counts; shock; swelling; osteoporosis (long-term use); decreased blood platelets.

Guidelines for Use

  • This medicine may be administered by your health care provider in a medical setting.

  • Given continuously or intermittently intravenously (IV; into a vein) or subcutaneous (SC; beneath the skin) several times daily. 1M use is to be avoided.

  • Notify your doctor if you experience unusual bleeding or bruising, itching, chills, fever, or difficulty breathing.

  • Lab tests are required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.

  • Store at controlled room temperature (59 to 86°F).