Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Heparin Sodium In Plastic Container (Heparin Sodium)

Heparin enhances Antithrombin III activity to inhibit coagulation factors Xa and IIa.

Heparin Sodium Injection is a parenteral anticoagulant indicated for prophylaxis and treatment of venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and other thromboembolic conditions. It works by enhancing Antithrombin III activity to inhibit coagulation factors Xa and IIa, with immediate onset after intravenous administration and dose-dependent half-life of 0.5-2 hours. Major risks include heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, bleeding complications, and significant drug interactions with antiplatelet agents and oral anticoagulants requiring careful monitoring. The drug remains a cornerstone of anticoagulation therapy with well-established efficacy when used appropriately with proper coagulation monitoring.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Heparin interacts with the naturally occurring plasma protein Antithrombin III, inducing a conformational change that markedly enhances its serine protease activity. This enhanced activity inhibits activated coagulation factors involved in the clotting sequence, particularly Factor Xa and Factor IIa (thrombin). Small amounts of heparin inhibit Factor Xa, while larger amounts inhibit thrombin. Heparin also prevents the formation of stable fibrin clots by inhibiting the activation of the fibrin stabilizing factor. Importantly, heparin does not have fibrinolytic activity and therefore cannot lyse existing clots.

Approved indications

• Deep Vein Thrombosis with Pulmonary Embolism
• Deep venous thrombosis
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation
• Maintain Patency of Indwelling Vascular Catheter
• Non-Q wave myocardial infarction
• Peripheral Arterial Thromboembolism Prevention
• Peripheral arterial embolism
• Prevention of Cardiac Ischemia in Unstable Angina
• Prevention of Ischemic Complications of Non-Q Wave MI
• Prevention of Recurrent Venous Thrombosis Associated with Malignancy
• Prevention of deep vein thrombosis
• Pulmonary Thromboembolism Prevention
• Pulmonary thromboembolism

Common side effects

• Bleeding complication
• Wound complication

Drug interactions

• Oral anticoagulants (dicumarol, warfarin sodium)
• Platelet inhibitors (NSAIDs, dextran, phenylbutazone, thienopyridines, dipyridamole, hydroxychloroquine, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists)
• Digitalis, tetracyclines, nicotine, antihistamines
• Intravenous nitroglycerin
• Antithrombin III (human)

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
• Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy for Newly Diagnosed, Residual, or Recurrent Atypical Choroid Plexus Papilloma and Choroid Plexus Carcinoma Prior to Second-Look Surgery (PHASE1)
• Impact of Ligament of Marshall Resection on Atrial Fibrillation Occurrence in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Randomized Controlled Trial (NA)
• Zeus (510K) - 24024 - Stability in Venous and Arterial Blood
• Bladder Directed vs. Pelvic Floor Therapy in IC/BPS (PHASE2)
• Heparin for RAO Post-Transradial Angiography in AIS (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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