Heparin (unfractionated)

pharmacological · immune-hematologic · IV · Subcutaneous

Heparin (unfractionated). Sulfated glycosaminoglycan polymer — binds antithrombin → ~1000× acceleration of antithrombin's inhibition of thrombin… IV half-life 1.5 h.

Sulfated glycosaminoglycan polymer — binds antithrombin → ~1000× acceleration of antithrombin's inhibition of thrombin (factor IIa) and factor Xa. Heparin chain length governs the IIa/Xa ratio. IV/SC; aPTT-monitored. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a feared complication.