Heparin Sodium
Also known as: Hep-Lock, Hep-Loc U/P, Hepflush-10
Heparin is a potent blood thinner used to treat or prevent life-threatening blood clots. - **Inpatient Care**: Because of the intense monitoring required (frequent blood tests to check clotting times) and the serious nature of the diseases it treats, heparin is almost exclusively used in a hospital setting by veterinary professionals. - **Bleeding Risk**: The most significant risk is bleeding. If your pet is discharged on a heparin-like drug, watch closely for any signs of bruising, bleeding gums, blood in the urine or stool, or extreme lethargy, and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Adjunctive treatment of DIC
- Feline arterial thromboembolism
- Maintenance therapy for arterial thromboembolic disease
- Prevention of complications associated with hypercoagulable states
- Adjunctive treatment of DIC
- Adjunctive therapy in endotoxic shock
- Adjunctive therapy in the prevention of laminitis
- Prevention of abdominal adhesions
- Adjunctive treatment of DIC
- Adjunctive treatment of DIC
- Adjunctive treatment of DIC
- Bridging therapy for pulmonary thromboembolism
- Anticoagulation without excessive risk of bleeding
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Hemorrhage (most common)
- Thrombocytopenia
- Hypersensitivity reactions (derived from bovine/porcine tissue)
- Anemia in horses (due to erythrocyte agglutination)
- Injection site pain and hematoma (especially if given IM)
- Vasospastic reactions
- Osteoporosis (with long-term use)
- Rebound hyperlipidemia
- Hyperkalemia
- Alopecia
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to heparin
- Severe thrombocytopenia
- Uncontrollable bleeding (not caused by DIC)
- Intramuscular (IM) administration (causes hematomas)
- Actively bleeding DIC patients with severe factor depletion
- Use with extreme caution in patients with dysfunctional interactions between inflammatory and hemostatic systems (e.g., DIC with concurrent inflammation). **Do not administer IM** due to the risk of severe hematoma formation. Deep SC dosing may cause pain and irritation. Dogs with renal insufficiency may have lower plasma levels and faster elimination rates, requiring dosage adjustments. Safe use in pregnancy is not firmly established (FDA Category C).
Drug interactions
- Aspirin: May increase the risk for hemorrhage
- Dextran: May increase the risk for hemorrhage
- NSAIDs: May increase the risk for hemorrhage
- Warfarin: May increase the risk for hemorrhage
- Antihistamines: May partially counteract heparin's anticoagulant effects
- Nitroglycerin (IV): May partially counteract heparin's anticoagulant effects
- Propylene Glycol: May partially counteract heparin's anticoagulant effects
- Digoxin: May partially counteract heparin's anticoagulant effects
- Tetracyclines: May partially counteract heparin's anticoagulant effects
Frequently asked questions
What is Heparin Sodium used for in pets?
Heparin is a potent blood thinner used to treat or prevent life-threatening blood clots. - **Inpatient Care**: Because of the intense monitoring required (frequent blood tests to check clotting times) and the serious nature of the diseases it treats, heparin is almost exclusively used in a hospital setting by veterinary professionals. - **Bleeding Risk**: The most significant risk is bleeding. If your pet is discharged on a heparin-like drug, watch closely for any signs of bruising, bleeding gums, blood in the urine or stool, or extreme lethargy, and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Is Heparin Sodium safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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