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Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
Low-molecular-weight heparin inhibits blood coagulation by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III, which inactivates clotting factors Xa and IIa.
Low-molecular-weight heparin inhibits blood coagulation by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III, which inactivates clotting factors Xa and IIa. Used for Thromboembolism prophylaxis in surgical patients, Treatment of deep vein thrombosis, Treatment of pulmonary embolism.
At a glance
| Generic name | Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Clexane, Enoxalow |
| Sponsor | National and Kapodistrian University of Athens |
| Drug class | Anticoagulant |
| Target | Antithrombin III (Factor Xa and Factor IIa) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
LMWH is derived from unfractionated heparin through chemical or enzymatic depolymerization, resulting in smaller molecular weight fragments (typically 4,000–6,000 Da). These fragments bind to antithrombin III with high affinity, potentiating its inhibition of Factor Xa more selectively than Factor IIa, thereby preventing thrombus formation with more predictable pharmacokinetics and bioavailability than UFH.
Approved indications
- Thromboembolism prophylaxis in surgical patients
- Treatment of deep vein thrombosis
- Treatment of pulmonary embolism
- Acute coronary syndrome
Common side effects
- Bleeding
- Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
- Injection site hematoma
- Osteoporosis (with prolonged use)
Key clinical trials
- Effect of Anticoagulant Therapy on Endometrial Receptivity and Pregnancy Outcomes in Infertility
- Ultrasound-facilitated, Catheter-directed, Thrombolysis in Intermediate-high Risk Pulmonary Embolism (PHASE4)
- Epunamin Combined With DECP for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma
- Timing of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Patients With Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage (NA)
- Efficacy of Apixaban in the Treatment of Portal Vein Thrombosis Occurring More Than One Year After LS (NA)
- Dose-adjustment of Enoxaparin by a Bayesian Pharmacological Approach in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Recipients (OPTI-TREX) (PHASE4)
- Dabigatran vs. Oral Anti-Xa Inhibitors in S. Aureus Bacteremia (PHASE4)
- The Intensive Care Platform Trial (PHASE4)
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 |
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