Class: Anticoagulant

Indication:

• Prevention of clotting in arterial and heart surgery
• Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
• Atrial fibrillation with embolization
• DVT and Pulmonary embolism

Side effects:

• Hematology: Thrombocytopenia, bleeding, bruising, injection-site reactions,
• Skin: hair loss,
• GI: liver enzyme changes

Nursing Tips:

• Heparin is a High Alert Medication
• Adjust dose based on lab results.
• Dosage is considered adequate when the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is 1.5 to 2 times normal
• Give by deep subcutaneous injections; do not give IM.
• Have protamine sulfate on hand as antidote.
• Protect clients from injury, report bleeding gums, black or tarry stools, and severe headache.
• Avoid intramuscular route of administration because of the frequent occurrence of hematoma at the injection site.
• Always follow facility’s heparin protocol, whenever working with this medication.

Ref: Roach’s Introductory Clinical Pharmacology

To Your Success!

Rophem 🙂