Heparin Flashcards
Heparin Mechanism
• Heparin is an anticoagulant. It potentiates the activity of antithrombin lll
(a naturally occurring anticoagulant) causing inhibition of multiple coagulation
factors.
Heparin Indications
STEMI in conjunction with fibrinolytic therapy.
Heparin Contraindications
Known severe allergy.
Age 75 years or older. When heparin is administered in combination with
fibrinolytic therapy in patients aged 75 years or older, there is an increased risk of fatal intracerebral haemorrhage.
Heparin Cautions
Clinically significant bleeding. Heparin will increase bleeding.
^^ At risk of bleeding. If there are any cautions or contraindications present within
the fibrinolytic/PCI checklist, personnel must seek clinical advice or discuss
with the STEMI coordinator prior to administration.
^^ Pregnancy.
Heparin Dosage
5000 IUs
Heparin Administration
- Dilute to a total volume of 10 ml using 0.9% sodium chloride.
- Administer IV over 1-2 minutes.
Heparin Common adverse effects
• Increased bleeding.
Heparin In pregnancy/breastfeeding
• Safety has not been demonstrated during pregnancy. The likelihood of STEMI
occurring in a woman who is pregnant is so low that personnel must seek
clinical advice or discuss with the STEMI coordinator prior to administration.
• May be administered if the patient is breastfeeding. Advise the patient to stop
breastfeeding and seek further advice from their lead maternity carer or GP.
Heparin Onset of effect
• 5-15 minutes.
Heparin Duration of effect
• 2-4 hours.
Heparin preparation
• Ampoule containing 5000 units.
Heparin Pharmacokinetics
• It is unclear how heparin is cleared.
Heparin Common interactions
• The risk of bleeding will be increased if the patient is taking an anticoagulant.
