Heparin CPG

Question 1

Heparin - Presentation

Answer 1

5000 units in 5 mL plastic ampoule

Question 2

Heparin - Pharmacology

Answer 2

Anticoagulant

Inactivates clotting factors IIa (thrombin) and Xa by binding to antithrombin III

Question 3

Heparin - Metabolism

Answer 3

Metabolised by the liver; excreted by the kidneys

Question 4

Heparin - Primary Emergency Indications

Answer 4

1. Acute STEMI

Question 5

Heparin - Contraindications

Answer 5

1. Known allergy or hypersensitivity
2. Active bleeding (excluding menses)
3. Oral anticoagulants
4. Bleeding disorders
5. History of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopaenia (HIT)
6. Severe Hepatic Impairment / disease, including oesophageal varices
7. Recent trauma or surgery (< 3 weeks)

Question 6

Heparin - Precautions

Answer 6

Renal impairment

Question 7

Heparin - Route of Administration

Answer 7

IV

Question 8

Heparin - Side Effects

Answer 8

1. Bleeding
2. Bruising and pain at injection site
3. Hyperkalaemia
4. Thromocytopaenia (mild to severe)

Question 9

Heparin - Special Notes

Answer 9

Do not inject IM due to risk of causing haematoma; Onset: Imediate; Duration: 3-6 hours. The plasma half-life of heprain is 60 minutes. As such, any patient recieving Heparin as a bolus dose will also require repeat doses if their travel time to PCI is > 1 hour.