Heparin

Question 1

Heparin - Drug Class/Presentation

Answer 1

Anticoagulant, 5000 units in 5mL

Question 2

Heparin - Pharmacology

Answer 2

Heparin is an anticoagulant agent which combines with anti-thrombin II to inhibit Factor X and the conversion of pre-thrombin to thrombin. Heparin therefore reduces the propensity for new clot formation and also inhibits other processes in the clotting cascade. Heparin is not a thrombolytic agent

Question 3

Heparin - Metabolism

Answer 3

Heparin is metabolised via biotransformation i the liver and reticula-endothelial system. The metabolites are then excreted in the urine

Question 4

Heparin - Onset, Duration, Half-life

Answer 4

Onset - 30 seconds
Duration - 3-6 hours
Half-life - 1.5 hours

Question 5

Heparin - Indications

Answer 5

Patients with STEMI who have been accepted for pPCI

Question 6

Heparin - Contraindications (Absolute)

Answer 6

• KSAR
• Patients less than 18 years
• Active bleeding or clotting problem
• Prior intracranial haemorrhage
• Current use of anticoagulants

Question 7

Heparin - Contraindications (Relative)

Answer 7

• Uncontrolled hypertension (SBP >180mmHg, DBP >110mmHg)
• Known cerebral disease
• Ischaemic stroke or TIA in the last 3 months
• History of significant closed head/facial trauma in the past 3 months
• History of major trauma or surgery in the past 6 weeks

Question 8

Heparin - Precautions

Answer 8

• Renal impairment

Question 9

Heparin - Side Effects

Answer 9

• Haemorrhage

- Thrombocytopenia

Question 10

Heparin - Routes of Administration

Answer 10

• IV

Question 11

Heparin - STEMI Adult Doses

Answer 11

5000 units, single dose only