Not medical advice. This site is general information only. In an emergency call your local emergency number. For advice about your own health, speak to a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional.
Heparin
About Heparin
An injectable anticoagulant discovered in 1916 by Jay McLean, a medical student. Heparin prevents blood clots during surgery, dialysis, and in hospitalized patients. It works by activating antithrombin, which inhibits thrombin and factor Xa. Heparin is fast acting and rapidly reversed by protamine sulfate. A dangerous side effect is heparin induced thrombocytopenia or HIT, which paradoxically causes blood clots. Heparin is on the WHO essential medicines list and remains essential for hospital care.
Related Medications
Warfarin
The most widely used oral anticoagulant for decades. Warfarin or Coumadin prevents blood clots by inhibiting v...
Rivaroxaban
A direct oral anticoagulant or DOAC that does not require blood monitoring. Rivaroxaban or Xarelto treats atri...
Apixaban
A direct factor Xa inhibitor that is the preferred oral anticoagulant for many patients. Apixaban or Eliquis t...
Edoxaban
A direct factor Xa inhibitor for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and treatment of blood clots. Edoxab...