Heparin (Anticoagulant)

Expected Action: used to treat and prevent blood clots in the veins, arteries and lungs by
keeping blood flowing smoothly and making the natural substance of anti-clotting protein work
better
Route: via Subcutaneous (just under the skin) or IV Administration
Subcutaneous onset (20-60min) reaches peak ( 2 hours) Duration (8-12 hours)
IV
onset (immediate) reaches peak (5-10 min) Duration (2-6 hours)
Life Span: Short Life 1-2 hours
Laboratory Testing: aPTTs (1.5-3 times the control value)/ WBCT (2.5-3 times control) CBC
OverDose/Reversal Effect: PROTAMINE SULFATE
Indications:
Myocardial Infarctions (Heart Attack)
Unstable Angina(Acute Chest Pains)
Atrial Fibrillation(Abnormal Heart Rhythm)
Indwelling Devices (such as mechanical heart valves)
Major Orthopedic Surgery (Venous Thromboembolism
Adverse Effects:
BLEEDING (local or systemic)
Risk increases with increased dosages
GI Upset
Alopecia (hair loss)
Thrombocytopenia-Heparin Induced (bruising)
Nausea, vomiting
Abdominal Cramping
**IV doses are double checked with another nurse**
Cautions: Recent trauma, surgery, hemorrhage disorders, GI ulcers
Drug-to Drug Interactions: Increased bleeding can occur if heparin is
combined with oral anticoagulants, penicillin, salicylates or cephalosporin's
Decreased effects occur if heparin is combined with nitroglycerin
Low-Weight Heparins:
enoxaprin (Lovenox) and dalteparin(Fragmin)
Administer Route: SQ
May cause hematoma formation
Don't require laboratory monitoring
Don't RUB/Massage after administering!
SQ doses should be given in abdomen
Don't aspirate SQ injections (air bubbles help stop hematoma formation