Heparin is found in many anticoagulants, including over-the-counter medications. Find out how heparin works and when it is given. What precautions should you take when taking heparin?
Heparinis produced in the body in mast cells (e.g. in the liver, heart, lungs and intestines) and has properties that inhibitblood clotting. It was introduced to medical treatment in 1938.
Heparin is used in the form of gels and epidermal aerosols or administered intravenously and subcutaneously. In intravenous and subcutaneous (pre-filled syringes) preparations, these are low molecular weight fractionated heparins. They are given, inter alia, patients in the perioperative period, immobilized due to trauma, during hemodialysis, and in the treatment and prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism.
Gels and sprays for application on the skin are used as an auxiliary in the treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis, varicose veins of the lower limbs, subcutaneous hematomas, bruises and edema.
Advantages of heparin
Heparin, in addition to inhibiting blood clotting, has a multidirectional effect on our body, which is why it is eagerly used by specialists in many fields of medicine.
It has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunosuppressive, anti-psoriatic and hypolipemic properties (lowers blood cholesterol). It can be administered to the patient in the form of solutions (intravenous infusions, pre-filled syringes for subcutaneous injections) or applied to the skin as a gel and aerosol. When given in the form of oral tablets, it is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Most prescription medications today contain low molecular weight heparin instead of unfractionated heparin. This is due to their better bioavailability, the ability to control the anticoagulant effect depending on the dose administered, as well as greater safety of use.
Disadvantages of heparin
Like all drugs, heparin may have side effects. The most common allergic reactions in the form of urticaria, itching or erythema are the most common when using skin preparations. Too long use may lead to skin necrosis.
Much more serious complications may occur while taking medications prescribed bydoctor. These include bleeding, thrombocytopenia, and skin necrosis at the injection site. With longer therapy, there is a risk of osteoporosis and, consequently, bone fractures.
Heparin: contraindications
Heparin should absolutely not be used by people with hemorrhagic diathesis, suffering from gastric and duodenal ulcer disease, gastrointestinal cancer or ulcerative colitis. A medical consultation should be sought in the case of advanced retinopathy, severe liver or kidney failure, acute pancreatitis, and epilepsy.
Pregnant women should only use heparin if the potential benefits of treatment with this drug are greater than the potential risk to the fetus (risk of miscarriage).
Heparin must not be taken simultaneously with preparations containing acetylsalicylic acid. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, preparations that inhibit platelet aggregation (clumping) and coumarin anticoagulants may increase its effect. Any uncontrolled or sudden bleeding, e.g. from the nose or gastrointestinal tract, is an indication for drug discontinuation.
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