Heparin Sodium
Heparin Sodium is a fast-acting injectable anticoagulant that works immediately to prevent and treat dangerous blood clots. It is commonly used in hospitalized patients for conditions like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and during surgeries or dialysis procedures to prevent clot formation.
An injectable anticoagulant that prevents and treats blood clots by enhancing the body's natural clotting inhibitors.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 9877
- Generic
- Heparin Sodium
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- 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.
Treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, prevention of clot formation during cardiac surgery and dialysis, management of acute coronary syndromes, and prevention of embolic stroke in atrial fibrillation.
Heparin binds to antithrombin III, dramatically accelerating its ability to neutralize thrombin and factor Xa—key enzymes in the blood clotting cascade—thus preventing fibrin clot formation.
Administered by intravenous or subcutaneous injection, requires regular aPTT monitoring, and carries significant bleeding risk. Protamine sulfate is the specific reversal agent. Contraindicated in active bleeding, severe thrombocytopenia, and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia history. May cause osteoporosis with prolonged use.
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 August 28, 2026. · Read our editorial policy