What is heparin and what is it for?

What is heparin?

Heparin is a drug that belongs to the antithrombotic category, allowing theprevention or reduction of chances of developing blood clots. In its composition it has sodium heparin as an active ingredient, considered as a glycosaminoglycan and is the one who confers theanticoagulant properties.

On the other hand, heparin comes as a 5 ml solution for injection that has an equivalent of 50 mg of heparin. The recommended dose is a concentrated solution subcutaneously andadminister other doses every 8 or 12 hours, depending on the case to be treated.

Note: Due to its nature and mechanism of action, heparin is a prescription medicationfor its acquisition.

What is heparin for?

Heparin is used to reduce risks and totreat some types of conditions of thromboticand circulatory natures. We mention below its main uses:

1. Venous thrombosis

Venous thrombosis is recognized as theformation of a blood clot in the deep veins of the body, such as those in the legs. It can cause symptoms such as swelling and pain, but it can also be asymptomatic.

To highlight: The use of heparin as a treatment or preventive medication has allowed efficient and beneficial responses through many studies. (1)

2. Pulmonary thromboembolism

Pulmonary thromboembolism is the condition of one or more arteries thanks to the formation of a blood clot. It can beformed in the lungs or move from other parts of the body , causing chest pain and coughing . 

You should know: Heparin allows the disappearance of the clot and therefore reduces the risk of mortality in the patient. (two)

3. Coronary heart disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases in male and female patients. It constitutes aninjury produced in the main blood vessels , causing chest pain and being able to conclude in a heart attack . 

Note: The use of heparin as a medical treatment reduces the risks of complications and preserves the quality of life of patients. (3)

Heparin Side Effects

All medications have stipulated possible side effects when usedin treatments. We mention those of heparin below:

• Bleeding and bruising.
• Excessive tiredness, nausea and vomiting .
• Blood in feces and urine.

Important: If you have serious side effects or that do not disappear after stopping treatment, you should seek medical attention for information .

Heparin Contraindications

Contraindications are factors that we must take into account to Reduce the chances of developing adverse effectsduring the use of drugs in medical treatments. We mention those of heparin below:

• Do not indicate if you have had an allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the components of the drug.
• Do not indicate if the patient has a low platelet count or bleeding.
• Do not indicate if the patient has had a spinal puncture.
• Do not indicate after a heart attack.
• Do not indicate if there is renal failure, stomach ulcer or formation of petechiae.

To highlight: It is important to mention the health history to the treating physician before starting treatment with heparin, since in this way the appropriate doses can be indicated, avoiding unwanted effects.

Key Findings

• Heparin is a Medicine toReduce the risk of producing blood clots that lead to disorders in our health.
• Heparin must be indicated by a medical professional and its administration is subcutaneous. 
• Heparin is also used as an anticoagulant in cases of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and CAD .
• Heparin is a drug that is also indicated to reduce risks during surgery or medical intervention.