LMW Heparin

• What is the difference between heparin & LMW heparin?

  Heparin has a faster onset of anticoagulant action -> inhibits factor Xa & thrombin

  LMW heparin only inhibits factor Xa

  LMW heparin has a lower risk of heparin induced thrombocytopenia
• What is heparin?

  Anti-coagulant
• What is the pharmacology of heparin?

  Target: Serpin family C member 1 (SERPINC1) - involved in production of antithrombin

  Action: Agonist
• MOA - LMW Heparin

  Normally, antithrombin III inactivates thrombin & factor Xa

  Heparin reversibly binds to antithrombin III -> inactivation of factor IIa & Xa -> can also inactivate factors IX, XI, XII & plasmin

  -> decreased blood coagulation
• What are the indications of heparin?

  PE & DVT

  Unstable angina

  Prevention of clots
• What are the side effects of heparin?

  Haemorrhage

  Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

  Skin reactions