HEPARIN SODIUM PF 10IU ML 5ML AMP 10`S

Heparin sodium is an unfractionated anticoagulant that enhances the activity of antithrombin III, rapidly inhibiting thrombin and factor Xa to prevent blood clot formation and propagation.

This 10 IU/mL preservative-free formulation is a low-concentration catheter flush/lock solution, primarily used to:

•       Maintain patency of intravenous (IV) catheters, central venous lines, and arterial lines

•       Maintain patency of haemodialysis access circuits

At therapeutic concentrations (much higher doses), unfractionated heparin is used for the prevention and treatment of DVT, pulmonary embolism, and anticoagulation during cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass.

Catheter flushing/locking:

Typically 1–5mL of 10 IU/mL solution per catheter lumen, per institution protocol. Flush before and after drug administration and at defined intervals.

Therapeutic anticoagulation (IV infusion — DIFFERENT preparation):

Weight-based: 80 IU/kg IV bolus, then 18 IU/kg/hour infusion, adjusted by aPTT results (target aPTT 60–100 seconds, or 1.5–2.5x control).

Subcutaneous prophylaxis:

5,000 IU SC every 8–12 hours.

Preservative-free formulations are mandatory for neonates, infants, and intrathecal/epidural use. Benzyl alcohol-containing heparin preparations can cause fatal 'gasping syndrome' in neonates.

•       Active uncontrolled bleeding (except disseminated intravascular coagulation — DIC)

•       Severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <100 × 10⁹/L)

•       Current or past HIT — use of heparin in any form is contraindicated

•       Known hypersensitivity to heparin or pork-derived products (heparin is derived from porcine intestinal mucosa)

•       High bleeding risk: recent intracranial, spinal, or ophthalmic surgery; active peptic ulcer; haemophilia; severe liver disease

•       Oral anticoagulants (warfarin, DOACs), NSAIDs, antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel), thrombolytics: additive bleeding risk — use with caution and monitor closely

•       Nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate) IV infusion: may reduce heparin effect — monitor aPTT more closely

•       Protamine sulphate: specific reversal agent for heparin

Q: What is heparin used for in my drip line?

At the low concentration in this preparation (10 IU/mL), heparin is used to keep intravenous lines and catheters clear and prevent small clots from forming inside the tubing. It is not being used as a blood thinner in your treatment at this concentration.

Q: What is HIT, and why is it monitored?

HIT (Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia) is an immune reaction to heparin that, paradoxically, causes blood clots rather than preventing them. It is identified by a sudden drop in platelet count. Platelet counts are checked every 2–3 days during heparin therapy to detect this early — it requires immediate cessation of heparin.

Q: Why use preservative-free heparin for newborns?

Standard heparin preparations contain benzyl alcohol as a preservative. In neonates and premature infants, benzyl alcohol accumulates and can cause a life-threatening condition known as 'gasping syndrome'. Preservative-free formulations eliminate this risk.