heparin

A fast-acting anticoagulantanticoagulantan-tee-koh-AG-yoo-luntA drug that slows the blood's ability to form clots.anti- againstcoagul/o clotting-ant an agent that doesFull entry Close that blocks clotting factors in the blood. It is given by continuous IV infusion to treat clots such as deep vein thrombosisdeep vein thrombosisDEEP VAYN throm-BOH-sisA blood clot in a deep vein, most often in the leg or pelvis.thromb/o clot-osis conditionFull entry Close and pulmonary embolismpulmonary embolismPUL-muh-nair-ee EM-buh-liz-umA blockage of an artery in the lungs, usually by a blood clot that has traveled there from elsewhere in the body.pulmon/o lung-ary relating toembol/o plug-ism conditionFull entry Close, and as a subcutaneous injection to prevent clots in clients who cannot move about much. It does not break up a clot that is already there, but stops it from getting bigger. Its main risk is bleeding; another is heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a drop in platelets with a risk of new clots.

For an IV infusion, follow the protocol: the aPTT is checked, and the dose is usually adequate when it is 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value. Check platelet counts, and watch for bleeding from gums, urine, stool or IV sites. Give subcutaneous doses in the belly, at least 5 cm (2 inches) from the navel, and do not rub the site. Protamine sulfate reverses heparin. ISMP lists heparin as a high-alert drug; doses are double-checked.