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Medicines/Generics/Heparin (Na) and Heparin (Cl)

Heparin (Na) and Heparin (Cl)

Generic medicine reference

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This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.

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Overview
Heparin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots. Heparin is used to treat and prevent blood clots caused by certain medical conditions or medical procedures. It is also used before surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots. Do not use heparin injection to flush (clean out) an intravenous (IV) catheter. A separate product is available to use as catheter lock flush. Using the wrong type of heparin to flush a catheter can result in fatal bleeding.
Indications
Heparin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots. Heparin is used to treat and prevent blood clots caused by certain medical conditions or medical procedures. It is also used before surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots. Do not use heparin injection to flush (clean out) an intravenous (IV) catheter. A separate product is available to use as catheter lock flush. Using the wrong type of heparin to flush a catheter can result in fatal bleeding.
Contraindications
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to heparin or pork products, or if you have: a history of low platelets in your blood caused by using heparin or pentosan polysulfate; a severe lack of platelets in your blood; or uncontrolled bleeding. You may not be able to use heparin if you are unable to receive routine blood-clotting tests at the proper intervals during treatment. To make sure heparin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: an infection of the lining of your heart (also called bacterial endocarditis); severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure ; a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; a stomach or intestinal disorder; liver disease; if you use a blood thinner ( warfarin , Coumadin , Jantoven ) and you have routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests; or if you are having a menstrual period. It is not known whether heparin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You may need to use a form of heparin that does not contain a preservative. You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to heparin: nausea , vomiting , sweating, hives , itching, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or feeling like you might pass out. Heparin may cause you to bleed more easily, which can be severe or life-threatening. You may also have bleeding on the inside of your body. Seek emergency medical attention if you have: skin warmth or discoloration; chest pain, irregular heartbeats; shortness of breath, dizziness , anxiety , sweating; any unusual bleeding or bruising; severe pain or swelling in your stomach, lower back, or groin; dark or blue-colored skin on your hands or feet; nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; unusual tiredness; any bleeding that will not stop; or nosebleed, blood in your urine or stools, black or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. Heparin can cause you to have bleeding episodes while you are using it and for several weeks after you stop. Bleeding may be more likely in older adults, especially women over 60 years of age Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have: skin changes where the medicine was injected; fever, chills, runny nose , or watery eyes; easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin; or signs of a blood clot - sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech, swelling or redness in an arm or leg. Common heparin side effects may include: unusual bleeding or bruising; uncontrolled bleeding; allergic reactions ; or abnormal liver function tests. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Do not use heparin injection to flush (clean out) an intravenous (IV) catheter, or fatal bleeding could result. A separate product is available to use as catheter lock flush. You should not use heparin if you have uncontrolled bleeding or a severe lack of platelets in your blood. Do not use this medicine if you have ever been diagnosed with “heparin-induced thrombocytopenia,” or low platelets caused by heparin or pentosan polysulfate. Heparin increases your risk of bleeding, which can be severe or life-threatening. You will need frequent tests to measure your blood-clotting time. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have unusual bleeding or bruising, severe stomach or back pain, unusual tiredness, a nosebleed, blood in your urine or stools, coughing up blood, or any bleeding that will not stop. Heparin can cause you to have bleeding episodes while you are using it and for several weeks after you stop . Certain medicines can increase your risk of bleeding while you are using heparin, such as aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), and others. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Do not use heparin injection to flush (clean out) an intravenous (IV) catheter, or fatal bleeding could result. A separate product is available to use as catheter lock flush.
High Risk Groups
Do not use heparin injection to flush (clean out) an intravenous (IV) catheter, or fatal bleeding could result. A separate product is available to use as catheter lock flush. You should not use heparin if you have uncontrolled bleeding or a severe lack of platelets in your blood. Do not use this medicine if you have ever been diagnosed with “heparin-induced thrombocytopenia,” or low platelets caused by heparin or pentosan polysulfate. Heparin increases your risk of bleeding, which can be severe or life-threatening. You will need frequent tests to measure your blood-clotting time. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have unusual bleeding or bruising, severe stomach or back pain, unusual tiredness, a nosebleed, blood in your urine or stools, coughing up blood, or any bleeding that will not stop. Heparin can cause you to have bleeding episodes while you are using it and for several weeks after you stop . Certain medicines can increase your risk of bleeding while you are using heparin, such as aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), and others. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Do not use heparin injection to flush (clean out) an intravenous (IV) catheter, or fatal bleeding could result. A separate product is available to use as catheter lock flush.
Adult Dosage
0.3 % (0.3 (0.3)) 6 hourly Topical — 15 to 25 IU/kg/hr (20 (20)) As recommended. IV-Inf — followed after IV-inj. 5000 IU (5000 (5000)) As recommended. IV — For treatment of deep vein thrombosis. 5000 IU (5000 (5000)) 8 hourly SC — For prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis.
Child Dosage
25 IU/kg.hr (25 (25)) As recommended. IV Infusion — As Required
Neonatal Dosage
25 IU/kg.hr (25 (25)) As recommended. IV Infusion — As Required
Drug Interactions
Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. Using an NSAID with heparin may cause you to bruise or bleed easily. Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: a blood thinner - warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; digitalis; tetracyclines ; nicotine ; or antihistamines . This list is not complete and many other drugs may interact with heparin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins , and herbal products . Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Storage
Inj Store at room temperature, Between 15°C-25°C. Do not Freeze. Protect from Sunlight.