Home Heparin

Heparin

Presentation
  • 5000 units in 5 mL plastic ampoule
Pharmacology

Anticoagulant

Inactivates clotting factors IIa (thrombin) and Xa by binding to antithrombin III

Metabolism

Metabolised by the liver; excreted by the kidneys

  1. Known allergy or hypersensitivity
  2. Active bleeding (excluding menses)
  3. Oral anticoagulants
  4. Bleeding disorders
  5. History of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopaenia (HIT)
  6. Severe hepatic impairment / disease, including oesophageal varices
  7. Recent trauma or surgery (<3 weeks)
  1. Renal impairment
Route of administration
  • IV
  • Bleeding
  • Bruising and pain at injection site
  • Hyperkalaemia
  • Thrombocytopaenia (mild to severe)
Special Notes

Do not inject IM due to risk of causing haematoma

Onset: Immediate

Duration: 3 – 6 hours

The plasma half-life of Heparin is 60 minutes. As such, any patient receiving Heparin as a bolus dose will also require repeat doses if their travel time to PCI is > 1 hour.

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