HEPARIN Flashcards
HEPARIN - What type of drug is it?
Anticoagulant
HEPARIN - indications (2)
Primary prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism in hospital inpatients - collectively known as venous thromboembolism (VTE)
Acute coronary syndrome (usually LMWH or fondaprinux is used to reduce clot progression)
HEPARIN - administration
SC injection into abdominal wall
Note: do NOT do it on the arm - can cause uncomfortable and disabling bruising
HEPARIN - MOA
Heparin acts by enhancing the anticoagulant effect of Anti-Thrombin
REMEMBER HEpArin H- heparin E- enhances A- antithrombin
HEPARIN - Adverse effect (main and common)
Haemorrhage
Bruising/other reactions at injection site
HEPARIN - cautions
→ clotting disorders
→ severe uncontrolled hypertension
→ recent surgery or trauma
→ renal impairment
REMEMBER - CRUSH C- clotting disorder R- renal impairment U - uncontrolled HTN S - surgery/trauma H - heparin
HEPARIN - what should a patient taking heparin be advised prior to and post invasive procedures
Withhold heparin immediately before and after invasive procedures
What are drug options to consider in the treatment and secondary prevention of VTE?
Heparin
Warfarin
DOACs
Why may a patient opt for DOACs rather than heparin?
Patient may prefer taking DOAC in comparison to heparin because DOAC is taken orally (unlike heparin which is a SC injection) which means they do not need to be trained in SC injection administration AND no needles
Anticoagulant choice in pregnant patient
A - Warfarin
B - Heparin
C - DOAC
B - heparin
Anticoagulant choice in uncontrolled HTN pxt
A - Warfarin
B - Heparin
C - DOAC
Warfarin or DOAC
avoid Heparin here.
Anticoagulant choice in pxt with renal disease/impairment
A - Warfarin
B - Heparin
C - DOAC
Warfarin
