Heparin (unfractionated)

Mechanism of action

Anticoagulant.

Potentiates action of antithrombin III, inactivating thrombin and prevention of clot formation.

Indications and dose

Side-effects

Bleeding

Heparin induced thrombocytopenia

Skin reaction

Reversal agent

Protamine

Pharmacokinetics

Routes: Intravenous, Subcutaneous

Onset: Immediate (IV), 20-30 minutes (SC)

Metabolism: Complex

Half-life of elimination: 1.5 hours

Excretion: Urine

Directions for administration

For intravenous infusion, give in 5% glucose or 0.9% sodium chloride.

Medicinal forms

Solution for injection

Solution for infusion

1 vial = 1 ml (5000 units)

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References

https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/heparin-unfractionated/ 

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/heparin-unfractionated-drug-information?search=heparin&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2#F178718