Heparin – Mechanism, Uses & Side Effects
Heparin is an anticoagulant preventing blood clots. Learn about its mechanism, medical uses, and rare risks like HIT.
Things worth knowing about "Heparin"
Heparin is a naturally occurring anticoagulant used in medicine to prevent and treat thrombosis and embolism.
Heparin belongs to the class of glycosaminoglycans and works by activating antithrombin III, which inhibits clotting factors IIa (thrombin) and Xa, thereby effectively preventing blood clot formation.
There are two main types: unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). UFH acts rapidly, is administered intravenously, and is used in acute conditions such as myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism. LMWH has a longer half-life, is injected subcutaneously, and is more suitable for outpatient thrombosis prophylaxis.
Possible side effects include bleeding and, in rare cases, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) — a severe immune-mediated reaction that can paradoxically lead to thrombosis. Therefore, regular blood monitoring is essential. Despite the rise of newer anticoagulants (DOACs), heparin remains an indispensable drug in acute and intensive care medicine.
Key Facts about Heparin
- Natural anticoagulant, inhibits thrombin and factor Xa
- Types: unfractionated (fast-acting) and low-molecular-weight (long-acting)
- Risks: bleeding, rare heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
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