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Heparin - Prophylactic dosage
Heparin inhibits blood coagulation by potentiating antithrombin III, which inactivates thrombin and other clotting factors to prevent clot formation.
Heparin inhibits blood coagulation by potentiating antithrombin III, which inactivates thrombin and other clotting factors to prevent clot formation. Used for Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in surgical patients, Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in medical patients.
At a glance
| Generic name | Heparin - Prophylactic dosage |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Sao Paulo |
| Drug class | Anticoagulant |
| Target | Antithrombin III (indirect); Thrombin (Factor IIa) and Factor Xa (downstream targets) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Heparin is an anticoagulant that works by binding to and enhancing the activity of antithrombin III, a natural inhibitor of blood coagulation. This complex inactivates several clotting factors (particularly factors IIa and Xa), preventing the formation of fibrin clots. At prophylactic doses, heparin reduces the risk of thromboembolism without causing significant bleeding in most patients.
Approved indications
- Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in surgical patients
- Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in medical patients
Common side effects
- Bleeding
- Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
- Injection site reactions
- Osteoporosis (with long-term use)
Key clinical trials
- Timing of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Patients With Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage (NA)
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin for the Treatment of Acute Exacerbations of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (PHASE3)
- Efficacy and Safety of Extended Anticoagulant Therapy in Cancer Associated Thrombosis in Thai Population
- Comparison of Apixaban Versus Enoxaparin (NA)
- Adaptive Platform Trial for Personnalisation of Sepsis Treatment in Children and Adults: a Multi-national, Treatable Traits-guided, Adaptive, Exploratory, Bayesian Basket Trial (PHASE2)
- RIVAroxaban Versus Low-molecular Weight Heparin in Patients With Lower Limb Trauma Requiring Brace or CASTing (PHASE3)
- TINzaparin Prophylaxis in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (PHASE3)
- Catheter-Related Early Thromboprophylaxis With Enoxaparin Studies (PHASE2, PHASE3)
Primary sources
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| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |