What it means
A form of heparinHEP-uh-rinAn anticoagulant drug, given by injection or IV, that keeps blood clots from forming or growing.Full entry made of smaller molecules, which lasts longer and acts more predictably, so it is given once or twice a day under the skin and usually needs no routine blood tests. The main ones are enoxaparinee-nok-suh-PAIR-inA low-molecular-weight heparin, injected under the skin, that prevents and treats blood clots.Full entry and dalteparin. It is used to prevent clots after surgery and during bed rest, and to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The main risk is bleeding; it can also lower the platelet count.
For the nurse
Inject into the abdomen at least 2 inches from the navel, alternating sides. Do not expel the air bubble in a prefilled syringe, do not aspirate, and do not rub the site. Follow the platelet count, watch for bleeding, and watch for back pain, numbness or weakness after spinal or epidural anesthesia, which is its boxed warning.
At a glance
| Drug class | anticoagulant |
|---|---|
| Abbreviations | LMWH |
| Also written | low molecular weight heparin, LMWH |
Related terms
deep vein thrombosis
A blood clot in a deep vein, most often in the leg or pelvis.
heparin
An anticoagulant drug, given by injection or IV, that keeps blood clots from forming or growing.
anticoagulation
The use of drugs that slow the blood's clotting, to prevent or treat blood clots.
enoxaparin
A low-molecular-weight heparin, injected under the skin, that prevents and treats blood clots.