- Class
- Anticoagulants
- Body system
- Blood and clotting
- Antidote or reversal
- Protamine sulfate.
What is Heparin used for?
- Treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Anticoagulation during dialysis, surgery and procedures
How Heparin works
Binds antithrombin and inactivates thrombin and factor Xa, preventing clots from forming or growing. It does not dissolve existing clots.
Common side effects
- Bleeding and bruising
- Hematoma at the injection site
- Thrombocytopenia
Report right away
- Bleeding gums, nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, black stools
- A drop in platelets or new clots (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia)
Nursing considerations for Heparin
- IV infusion: monitor the aPTT (often 1.5 to 2.5 times control) or anti-Xa level per protocol, and the platelet count.
- Subcutaneous: inject into the abdomen at least 2 inches from the umbilicus; do not aspirate or rub the site.
- High-alert medication: independent double check of the concentration, dose and pump. Do not confuse heparin flush (10 or 100 units/mL) with therapeutic vials.
Patient teaching
- Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
- Report any bleeding, and avoid NSAIDs and aspirin unless prescribed.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Anticoagulants practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Heparin belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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Which lab value is used to monitor warfarin therapy?
Show answer
Answer C: INR Warfarin is monitored with the PT/INR; the usual target is 2 to 3.
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A patient on a heparin infusion has a platelet count that dropped by more than 50% from baseline. What does the nurse suspect?
Show answer
Answer D: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia A large platelet drop, typically 5 to 10 days after starting heparin, suggests heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, which paradoxically causes clotting.
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Which antidote should be available for a patient receiving a heparin infusion?
Show answer
Answer C: Protamine sulfate Protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin. Vitamin K reverses warfarin.
Frequently asked questions
What is Heparin used for?
Treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism; Acute coronary syndrome; Anticoagulation during dialysis, surgery and procedures.
What drug class is Heparin?
Heparin belongs to the class anticoagulants. Binds antithrombin and inactivates thrombin and factor Xa, preventing clots from forming or growing. It does not dissolve existing clots.
What are the nursing considerations for Heparin?
IV infusion: monitor the aPTT (often 1.5 to 2.5 times control) or anti-Xa level per protocol, and the platelet count. Subcutaneous: inject into the abdomen at least 2 inches from the umbilicus; do not aspirate or rub the site.
What should patients report while taking Heparin?
bleeding gums, nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, black stools; A drop in platelets or new clots (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia).
What is the antidote for Heparin?
Protamine sulfate.