Pharmacology
Heparin
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Get accessUnfractionated heparin: potentiates antithrombin which inactivates thrombin and factor Xa; also inhibits platelet aggregation
- Low-molecular weight heparin (shorter fragments): preferentially affects factor Xa
- Side effects:
- Bleeding
- Thrombocytopenia (may cause paradoxical thrombosis)
- Osteoporosis
- Hypoaldosteronism and hyperkalaemia
Strongly acidic agents: protamine is a basic protein which reverses UFH and has some effect on LMWH