Heparin is a rapid – acting anticoagulant prepared from bovine lung tissue orporcine intestinal mucosa.
Mechanism of Action:
Heparin is a rapid-onset anticoagulant, enhancing the effects of antithrombin III and blocking the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin and fibrinogen to fibrin.
Onset of Action:
Onset: Immediate
Peak: 2-3 min
Duration: 2-6 hours
Half-life 90 min
Indications
Heparin is used to inhibit clot formation in unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction. Used to prevent pulmonary embolism, DVT.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the drug, to pork and beef products.
Precautions
Do not use in patients with active major bleeding or thrombocytopenia. Caution inpatients with chronic alcoholism and 3rd trimester pregnancies.