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Heparin - Learn about Heparin Side Effects and Precautions

Heparin Information

The pharmacology action of Heparin is that it inhibits reactions that lead to clotting.

Heparin is used prophylaxis and treatment of venous thrombosis and its extensions, pulmonary embolism (PE), peripheral arterial embolism, and atrial fibrillation with embolization; diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic consumption coagulopathies (DIC); prevention of postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and PE.

Interaction and Contraindication of Heparin

Interaction of Heparin - Dipyridamole, hydroxychloroquine, NSAIDs, salicylates:  May cause increased risk of bleeding.

Contraindication of Heparin - Severe thrombocytopenia; uncontrolled bleeding (except because of DIC); patients in whom suitable blood coagulation tests cannot be performed.

Side Effects o f Heparin

Here are the list of some common side effects ofHeparin :

• Hemorrhage; thrombocytopenia.
• Hypersensitivity (chills, fever, urticaria, asthma, rhinitis, lacrimation, headache, nausea, vomiting, shock); anaphylactoid reactions; allergic vasospastic reactions, including painful ischemia, cyanotic limbs; osteoporosis; priapism; rebound hyperlipidemia on discontinuation.

Precaution and Warning while taking Heparin

The precaution and warnings of Heparin drug is as follows:

• Instruct patient to use soft toothbrush and electric razor.
• Caution patient to avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medications.
• Advise patient to report unusual bruising or bleeding (eg, nosebleeds, bleeding gums) or tarry stools to health care provider immediately.
• Instruct patient to inform health care provider and dentist of use of this medication before treatment or surgery.
• Inform patient of potential for hair loss. Explain that this effect may occur several months after heparin therapy is started. Reassure patient that if alopecia occurs, hair growth will return after drug has been discontinued.
• Advise patient to carry identification card or to wear a medication identification bracelet (ie, Medi-Alert ) that indicates heparin therapy.
• Inform women that menstruation may be somewhat increased and prolonged. Usually this effect is not a contraindication to therapy if bleeding is not excessive and there is no underlying pathologic condition.
• Advise patient that smoking and alcohol may alter response to heparin, and therefore, are not advised.

How to store Heparin

• Avoid IM administration.
• SC administration should be deep, preferably into fatty layers of abdomen. Use small-gauge needle to minimize tissue trauma. Bunch up tissue without pinching and insert needle at 90% angle to skin. Inject slowly.
• Do not aspirate patient to check entry into blood vessel. Apply gentle pressure to puncture site for approximately 1 min; do not massage. Rotate injection sites frequently and keep record.
• IV administration may be given undiluted over 1 min.
• For IV infusion, dilute prescribed amount in 0.9% Sodium Chloride for Injection, D5W, or Ringer's Injection solution. Use infusion pump to ensure accuracy.
• For heparin locks, inject diluted heparin solution of 10 to 100 U (0.5 to 1 mL).
• To prevent incompatibility of heparin with medication, flush heparin lock set with Sterile Water for Injection or 0.9% Sodium Chloride for Injection before and after medication is administered.