Unfractionated heparin (UFH)
General information
Class/mechanism: Acts at multiple points in the coagulation cascade to inhibit clotting and the formation of fibrin clots. Heparin interacts with antithrombin III (AT-III), inactivates the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, inactivates thrombin and its effect of catalyzing the formation of fibrin from fibrinogen, and inhibits the activation of fibrin-stabilizing factor.[1][2][3]
Route: IV, SC
Extravasation: no information
For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.[1]
Patient drug information
- Brief patient counseling information can be found in the Heparin package insert[1]
- Heparin patient drug information (UpToDate)[4]
Also known as
- Generic name: UFH