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Anticoagulation with heparin
Heparin inhibits blood coagulation by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III, which inactivates thrombin and other clotting factors.
Heparin inhibits blood coagulation by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III, which inactivates thrombin and other clotting factors. Used for Acute thromboembolism prevention and treatment, Atrial fibrillation with stroke risk, Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis and treatment.
At a glance
| Generic name | Anticoagulation with heparin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | heparin, LMWH, UFH, anticoag, antiplatelet |
| Sponsor | Boston Scientific Corporation |
| Drug class | Anticoagulant |
| Target | Antithrombin III (enhancer); Thrombin (Factor IIa); Factor Xa |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Heparin is an anticoagulant that works by binding to antithrombin III and dramatically increasing its ability to inactivate thrombin (Factor IIa) and Factor Xa, key enzymes in the coagulation cascade. This prevents the formation of fibrin clots and the extension of existing clots. Heparin is used acutely to prevent thromboembolism in various clinical settings.
Approved indications
- Acute thromboembolism prevention and treatment
- Atrial fibrillation with stroke risk
- Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis and treatment
- Pulmonary embolism prophylaxis and treatment
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Extracorporeal circulation anticoagulation
Common side effects
- Bleeding
- Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
- Thrombosis
- Injection site reactions
- Osteoporosis (with prolonged use)
Key clinical trials
- Ultrasound-facilitated, Catheter-directed, Thrombolysis in Intermediate-high Risk Pulmonary Embolism (PHASE4)
- Impact of Ligament of Marshall Resection on Atrial Fibrillation Occurrence in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Randomized Controlled Trial (NA)
- Timing of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Patients With Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage (NA)
- A Study to Observe the Pattern of Use and Safety of Rivaroxaban in Children Under 2 Years Old With Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
- Impact of CRRT on Serum Carnitine and Micronutrient Levels
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin for the Treatment of Acute Exacerbations of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (PHASE3)
- Anticoagulation in Patients With Venous Thromboembolism and Cancer
- Stop or Ongoing Oral Anticoagulation in Patients Undergoing Pvp (SOAP) (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Anticoagulation with heparin CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Anticoagulation with heparin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Boston Scientific Corporation portfolio CI