Heparin
Prescription neededBlood thinners
Comes as:InjectionDrip (infusion)
Usual adult dose
Given by injection or drip, usually in hospital. To prevent clots: 5000 units under the skin every 8 to 12 hours. Treatment doses are set by your doctor and checked with blood tests.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- bruising or pain at the injection site
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- serious bleeding
- low platelets with new clots
- severe allergic reaction
- high potassium
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Active bleeding
- Low platelets, or past low platelets caused by heparin
- Severe uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Recent bleeding in the brain
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.