Heparin
About
Heparin belongs to a class of drugs called anticoagulants or blood thinners. Heparin is primarily used to prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in leg veins), pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lung), stroke, Transient ischaemic attack (TIA), and heart attacks. Deep vein thrombosis is a medical condition in which blood clots form in deep veins usually in the legs. Pulmonary embolism is a condition in which a blood clot blocks the arteries in the lungs. A stroke is a condition where a blood clot restricts the flow of blood to your brain, causing brain cells to die and possibly resulting in permanent brain damage or death. Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a condition also called 'mini-strokes', these have similar symptoms to a stroke, but the effects usually last less than 24 hours. Heart attack is a condition where a blood clot blocks a blood vessel supplying your heart, starving it of oxygen and causing chest pain and sometimes death.
Blood clots are formed to stop bleeding that occurs due to tissue injury. Though blood clots are useful to stop bleeding, they may be harmful when abnormally formed within blood vessels as they block blood vessels and inhibit blood flow to essential organs such as the brain, heart, or lungs. Heparin works by inhibiting the production of fibrin (a protein that binds platelets together and forms a clot) preventing blood clot formation.
Heparin will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. Some people may experience hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia (low platelets), hypersensitivity reactions, and elevations of liver enzyme (aminotransferase) levels. Most of these side effects of Heparin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Heparin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. It is not known whether Heparin harms the baby or passes into breast milk in pregnancy and breastfeeding state. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Heparin. Heparin is not recommended for children below 2 months of age. If you have diabetes, kidney or liver problems, bleeding problems, or are aged above 60 years, inform your doctor before taking Heparin.
Uses of Heparin
Medicinal Benefits
Heparin is primarily used to prevent and treat blood clots by inhibiting the production of fibrin (a protein that binds platelets together and forms a clot). Heparin also reduces the risk of blood clots during surgeries (like heart surgery). Heparin is used as an anticoagulant in blood transfusion and in a dialysis procedure.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Heparin
- Red itchy patches or lumps at the site of injection
- Unusual bleeding
- Skin redness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Use Heparin cautiously in conditions with increased risk of bleeding. Use of name contraindicated in patients with HIT - Heparin-induced thrombosis (the abnormal formation of blood clots inside a blood vessel) and HITT (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis) might occur. Monitoring of blood coagulation tests like platelet count and haematocrit should be done in all patients receiving Heparin. Patients should inform the doctor that they are receiving Heparin before any surgery is scheduled.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Heparin may have interaction with pain killers (salicylic acid, ibuprofen, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, and celecoxib), dextran, anti-malarial (hydroxychloroquine), blood thinner (abciximab, eptifibatide, dipyridamole), heart medicines (digitalis), antibiotic (tetracycline), nicotine, antiallergics, or blood pressure-lowering pills (nitroglycerin)
Drug-Food Interaction: Heparin may interact with alcohol. Avoid foods rich in vitamin K like coriander, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, collard greens, kale (leaf cabbage), black liquorice, turnip greens, avocados, brussels sprouts as they may affect the working of Heparin. It is advisable to avoid smoking and use of tobacco products and nicotine as they may reduce the effectiveness of Heparin.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Use with caution in patients with bleeding problems, low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) and thrombosis (blood clot in veins).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended to avoid consumption of alcohol with Heparin as it may cause severe bleeding in the stomach and harmful side effects to the liver.
Pregnancy
cautionHeparin is a Category C pregnancy drug and should be given to pregnant women only if clearly needed and has more benefits than risks. Preservative-free forms are preferred in pregnant women as preservatives such as benzyl alcohol may cross the placenta.
Breast Feeding
cautionHeparin should be given to breastfeeding mothers only if clearly needed and has more benefits than risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedHeparin usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionHeparin should be given with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionHeparin should be given with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionHeparin is not recommended for children below 2 months.
Habit Forming
Special Advise
Regular blood tests are advised while taking Heparin to monitor prothrombin, platelets and coagulation time on regular basis.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in legs) is a medical condition in which blood clots form in deep veins usually in the legs. The symptoms include leg pain or swelling.
Pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lung) is a condition that occurs as the blood clots break and travel to the lungs from deep veins in the legs or other parts of the body. The symptoms of pulmonary embolism include chest pain, cough, and shortness of breath.
Stroke is a condition where a blood clot restricts the flow of blood to your brain, causing brain cells to die and possibly resulting in permanent brain damage or death.
Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a condition also called 'mini-strokes', these have similar symptoms to a stroke, but the effects usually last less than 24 hours.
Heart attack is a condition where a blood clot blocks a blood vessel supplying your heart, starving it of oxygen and causing chest pain and sometimes death. Quick medication is advised to reduce the risk of serious conditions due to blood clots.
FAQs
No, you are not recommended to take ibuprofen with Heparin as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of bleeding more easily. However, please consult a doctor before taking other medicines with Heparin.
Yes, Heparin may increase potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalaemia), especially when given for a long period. Therefore, it is advised to inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines that increase potassium levels in the blood.
Yes, Heparin may cause bleeding. If you notice purple spots on the skin or unusual bruising, blood in urine, black tarry stools, unusual bleeding from gums or nose, please inform your doctor immediately as these are signs of bleeding more easily.
Yes, Heparin may cause allergic reactions such as fever, chills, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, blue shade to the lips, swelling of lips, and eyes. It is not necessary for everyone taking Heparin to experience an allergic reaction. However, if you notice any of these signs, please inform your doctor immediately.
