About herparin sodium
Anticoagulant; unfractionated heparin
Used for
- Prevents and treats blood clots in veins or lungs
- Prevents clotting during certain operations or medical procedures
Usual adult dose
Dose varies by use and requires clinician-directed dosing and blood tests; prevention doses are commonly given under the skin.
Usual dose in children
Weight-based dosing under specialist supervision, adjusted using blood tests.
Common side effects
- Bleeding or bruising
- Low platelet count, sometimes with increased clot risk
- Injection-site irritation
- Long-term use may weaken bones
Important warnings
- Serious bleeding can occur; seek urgent care for uncontrolled bleeding.
- Heparin-induced low platelets can cause dangerous blood clots.
- Use caution with bleeding disorders, recent surgery, or stomach ulcers.
- Dosing errors can be dangerous; administration and monitoring require trained clinicians.
Pregnancy
Can be used when anticoagulation is needed; it does not cross the placenta. Specialist monitoring is required.
Breastfeeding
Generally compatible with breastfeeding; heparin is not expected to pass into breast milk in meaningful amounts.
Interactions
- Other blood thinners and antiplatelet medicines increase bleeding risk.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may increase bleeding.
- Some antibiotics and other medicines can alter bleeding risk or heparin response.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.