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What Is Heparin?

Heparin sodium injection is a prescription anticoagulant given intravenously or subcutaneously. It is used to prevent and treat venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, prevent postoperative thromboembolism, treat selected embolic and coagulation disorders, and prevent clotting during certain surgical, transfusion, extracorporeal, and dialysis procedures.

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What Is Heparin?

Heparin sodium injection is a prescription anticoagulant given intravenously or subcutaneously. It is used to prevent and treat venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, prevent postoperative thromboembolism, treat selected embolic and coagulation disorders, and prevent clotting during certain surgical, transfusion, extracorporeal, and dialysis procedures.

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How Does Heparin Reduce Blood Clotting?

Heparin binds to antithrombin and increases its ability to inactivate clotting enzymes, including factor Xa and thrombin. This interrupts conversion steps in the coagulation cascade and reduces formation and extension of fibrin clots. The anticoagulant effect is monitored with laboratory testing during full-dose treatment.

Who Is Treated With Heparin?

Heparin is used for venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism treatment or prevention, postoperative clot prevention, atrial fibrillation with embolization, disseminated intravascular coagulation, peripheral arterial embolism, and selected cardiac or arterial procedures. It is also used as an anticoagulant during blood transfusion, extracorporeal circulation, and dialysis.

How Is Heparin Dosed?

Dosing depends on the indication, route, body weight, and laboratory response. One labeled adult intravenous regimen starts with 5,000 units followed by a continuous infusion of 20,000 to 40,000 units over 24 hours in a 68 kg patient, with dose adjustment based on coagulation testing. Postoperative prophylaxis commonly uses 5,000 units subcutaneously before surgery and every eight to 12 hours afterward.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Heparin?

Major hemorrhage can occur at virtually any site and can be fatal. Other serious concerns include heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with or without thrombosis, low platelet counts, hypersensitivity, hyperkalemia, and medication errors caused by confusion between concentrated injection products and catheter flush products. A history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a contraindication.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heparin

What type of medicine is heparin?

Heparin is an anticoagulant that increases antithrombin activity and reduces blood clot formation.

How is heparin given?

Heparin sodium injection is administered intravenously or by deep subcutaneous injection, depending on the indication.

Does heparin require blood testing?

Yes. Full-dose therapy is adjusted with coagulation testing to maintain the intended anticoagulant effect.

Can heparin cause low platelet counts and blood clots?

Yes. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia can occur and can progress to venous or arterial thrombosis.

References

DailyMed - HEPARIN SODIUM injection. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=62cfd1bb-894f-4429-b362-1e40981dccc6. Date Accessed October 1, 2026.

Heparin. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Heparin. Date Accessed October 1, 2026.

Heparin. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538247/. Date Accessed October 1, 2026.

Heparin Injection. MedlinePlus. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682826.html. Date Accessed October 1, 2026.

Heparins. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548770/. Date Accessed October 1, 2026.