Heparin is an anticoagulant commonly used after surgery.
Heparin is considered an important preventive measure during an inpatient stay after a procedure.
It is often stopped when the patient is discharged from the hospital.
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Kidney function will often determine how often heparin can safely be given to prevent clots.
There is no oral form of heparin, but some otherblood thinnerscan be given in tablet form.
Lovenox is given as an injection.
How Does Heparin Work?
Heparin works by decreasing your bloods ability to form clots.
Small amounts can be added to IV fluids to keep an IV line flowing freely.
Larger amounts may be injected several times a day to prevent clotting.
In children, the injection dosage is based on weight in kilograms.
You have a higher chance of having a blood clot for up to three months after surgery.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe blood thinner medications for you to take while recovering at home during this time.
These could include heparin, direct oral anticoagulants, and warfarin.
Risks
It is not uncommon for bruising to appear around heparin injection sites.
Too much heparin can cause the blood to become too thin and can result in bleeding.
Heparin may be stopped about four to 24 hours before surgery to prevent bleeding risks.
Heparin-inducedthrombocytopenia(HIT) is a rare complication of heparin administration.
In most cases, stopping the delivery of heparin is an effective treatment.
Summary
Heparin, a blood thinner, is often used after surgery to prevent blood clots.
Its given in the first several days after surgery when the patient is most at risk for blood clots.
It may be started between 24 to 72 hours after surgery.
Risks include bruising at the injection site.
Taking too much heparin can cause excessive bleeding that in severe cases can lead to death.
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