Heparin

Definition

Heparin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent and treat blood clots. It works by inhibiting certain factors in the blood clotting process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Heparin is administered intravenously or subcutaneously, not orally.
2. It acts quickly and is often used in acute settings, such as during surgery or for deep vein thrombosis.
3. The primary adverse effect of heparin is bleeding, including the risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).
4. Heparin's effects can be monitored by measuring activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).
5. Protamine sulfate is an antidote that can reverse the effects of heparin in cases of overdose.

Review Questions

• How is heparin administered?
• What lab test is commonly used to monitor heparin therapy?
• What is a serious potential side effect of heparin?

Related terms

Warfarin:

An oral anticoagulant that inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.

Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH): A form of heparin used for similar purposes but has a longer half-life and more predictable effects.

Protamine Sulfate:

A medication used to counteract the effects of heparin overdose.