Low Molecular Weight Heparin

Low Molecular Weight Heparin

Write A Short Note On Low Molecular Weight Heparin.
Or
Write In Brief On LMWH (Low­Molecular Weight Heparin).
Answer:

Low molecular weight heparins are enoxaparin, dalteparin, tinzaparin, ardeparin, reviparin, etc.

• Low molecular weight heparins are extracted from standard heparin by various techniques.
• These drugs produce anticoagulant effects by inhibition of factor Xa via antithrombin.
• These drugs have a small effect on partial prothrombin time and whole blood clotting time as compared to unfractionated heparin relative to anti-factor Xa activity.
• These drugs have less antiplatelet action and less interference with hemostasis.
• Effects of low molecular weight heparins are not completely reversed by protamine sulfate.
• These drugs are given subcutaneously.

Low Molecular Weight Heparin Advantages

• They have high subcutaneous bioavailability.
• They have longer half-lives so can be given once a day.
• These drugs do not need aPTT monitoring.
• The incidence of thrombocytopenia, bleeding, and osteoporosis is less.

Low Molecular Weight Heparin Uses

• Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in high-risk patients undergoing surgery.
• Treatment of established deep vein thrombosis.
• Unstable angina.
• In atrial firillation.
• In patients with prosthetic heart valves.
• It is preferred during pregnancy.