Low-molecular-weight heparins

Low-molecular-weight or fractionated heparin (LMWH) acts in the early phase of blood coagulation mainly by binding to factor Xa with antithrombin, unlike high-molecular heparin, which also irreversibly blocks thrombin activity.

The main representatives include:
 * Nadroparin (Fraxiparine);
 * Enoxaparin (Clexane);
 * Dalteparin (Fragmin);
 * Parnaparin;
 * Sulodexide.


 * Administration subcutaneously, most often in the abdomen, but it is also possible to administer intravenously in exceptional cases, such as in patients on hemodialysis or with unstable angina pectoris.


 * Indications:
 * 1) Treatment and prophylaxis of acute deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (VTE).
 * 2) Bridging - bridging the necessary warfarin withdrawal before a planned surgery.


 * Comparison to high-molecular-weight heparins:
 * Compared to high-molecular-weight heparins, they are safer, have a longer-lasting effect and show significantly fewer adverse effects (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, bleeding).

Related articles

 * Hemocoagulation
 * Hemocoagulation versus anticoagulation
 * Anticoagulants
 * Warfarin
 * Heparin