Enoxaparin: Patient Guide
Enoxaparin is a prescription anticoagulant, or blood thinner, that is given by injection. It is used to prevent or treat blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and in some people with unstable angina or certain heart attacks.
Enoxaparin lowers the risk of blood clots, but it can also cause serious bleeding. Take it only as prescribed and check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining it with other medicines.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B01AB05
- RxNorm
- 67108
- Generic
- Enoxaparin
- Class
- atc-b01
- Brands
- Lovenox
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1 mg/kg every 12 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1 mg/kg every 12 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1 mg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno standard dose adjustment; use lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks; preferred anticoagulant in pregnancy when needed
regular fetal monitoring and maternal anti-Xa levels if therapeutic dosing
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesterno standard dose adjustment; use lowest effective dose
preferred anticoagulant for VTE treatment during pregnancy
monitor anti-Xa levels if on therapeutic dosing
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterno standard dose adjustment; consider dose reduction near delivery
discontinue prior to delivery if possible; switch to heparin if delivery expected
close monitoring near delivery; avoid within 24 hours of delivery if possible
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno dosage adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding; enoxaparin does not cross into breast milk
no specific monitoring required
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose in patients over 75 years; use 0.75 mg/kg once daily for treatment
use lower doses for prophylaxis; monitor renal function closely
monitor renal function and for signs of bleeding; check anti-Xa levels if indicated
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants and childrenweight-based dosing required; 1 mg/kg every 12 hours for treatment
use only in pediatric patients with clear indication; not recommended for prophylaxis in children
monitor anti-Xa levels, CBC, and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose to 1 mg/kg once daily for treatment; avoid prophylactic use if CrCl <30 mL/min
use with extreme caution; consider alternative anticoagulant if CrCl <30 mL/min
frequent anti-Xa level monitoring; close bleeding surveillance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate renal impairmentconsider dose reduction; monitor closely
use with caution; dose adjustment may be necessary
monitor renal function and anti-Xa levels periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeno specific dose adjustment; use with caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks; monitor for bleeding
monitor coagulation parameters and for signs of bleeding
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Anticoagulant classification
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Commonly prescribed since
FDA approval year
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy