Pharmacology Heparin Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the therapeutic class of heparin?

Antihypertensive

Anticoagulant (correct)

Analgesic

Antibiotic

What is the pharmacologic class of heparin?

Antithrombotics (correct)

Antihistamines

Anticonvulsants

Antidepressants

What is the expected pharmacological action of heparin?

Potentiates the inhibitory effect of antithrombin on factor Xa and thrombin. In low dosages, prevents the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin by its effects on factor Xa. Higher doses neutralize thrombin, preventing conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin.

What are the therapeutic uses of heparin?

Prevention of thrombus formation and prevention of extension of existing thrombi. Signup and view all the answers

What are some side/adverse effects of heparin?

Bleeding, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), anemia, alopecia, drug-induced hepatitis, osteoporosis. Signup and view all the answers

What are contraindications for using heparin?

Hypersensitivity, uncontrolled bleeding, severe thrombocytopenia, open wounds. Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered with caution when administering heparin?

Severe liver or kidney disease, untreated hypertension. Signup and view all the answers

What are some interactions to be aware of when using heparin?

Greatest risk with full anticoagulation - aspirin, NSAIDs, some penicillins, thrombolytics, warfarin, digoxin, tetracyclines, nicotine, antihistamines. Signup and view all the answers

What are some natural interactions with heparin?

Arnica, anise, chamomile, clove, dong quai, feverfew, garlic, ginger, panax ginseng. Signup and view all the answers

What is the administration method for heparin?

IV with 5.0-8.0 pH or subcutaneously with rotation of injection sites. Signup and view all the answers

What interventions should be taken when administering heparin?

Assess for signs of bleeding and hemorrhage, monitor for additional or increased thrombus, monitor activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and hemocrit. Signup and view all the answers

How is medication effectiveness evaluated with heparin?

Prolonged partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of 1.5-2.5 times the control without signs of hemorrhage; prevention of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli; patency of IV catheters. Signup and view all the answers

What is the antidote for heparin?

Protamine sulfate. Signup and view all the answers

What client education should be provided to patients on heparin?

Report any symptoms of unusual bleeding or bruising, do not take medications containing aspirin or NSAIDs, use a soft toothbrush and electric razor, carry an ID card with medication information at all times. Signup and view all the answers

What does heparin do?

Prevents future clots from forming, does not fix current clots. Signup and view all the answers

What is the therapeutic range for heparin?

3 times the PTT range. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Heparin Overview

Therapeutic class: Anticoagulant, used to reduce blood clotting.
Pharmacologic class: Antithrombotics, specifically target clotting processes.

Pharmacological Action

Potentiates antithrombin's effects on factor Xa and thrombin.
Low doses prevent prothrombin to thrombin conversion, while higher doses neutralize thrombin, inhibiting fibrinogen to fibrin conversion.

Therapeutic Uses

Prevents thrombus formation and the extension of existing thrombi at full doses.

Side/Adverse Effects

Common effects include bleeding and Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT).
Other effects may involve anemia, alopecia, drug-induced hepatitis, and osteoporosis.

Contraindications

Should not be used in cases of hypersensitivity, uncontrolled bleeding, severe thrombocytopenia, and open wounds.

Precautions

Use cautiously in individuals with severe liver or kidney disease, and untreated hypertension.

Drug Interactions

Increased bleeding risk when combined with full anticoagulation therapies or drugs like aspirin, NSAIDs, certain penicillins, thrombolytics, warfarin, digoxin, tetracyclines, nicotine, and antihistamines.

Natural Interactions

Beware of natural products like arnica, anise, chamomile, clove, dong quai, feverfew, garlic, ginger, and panax ginseng as they may affect anticoagulation.

Administration Guidelines

Administer IV within a pH range of 5.0-8.0.
Subcutaneous injections should rotate sites to reduce tissue damage.

Nursing Interventions

Monitor for signs of bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, unusual bruising).
Check for symptoms of hypersensitivity and observe activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and hemocrit.
Draw aPTT levels prior to doses.

Evaluation of Effectiveness

Therapeutic effectiveness indicated by prolonged PTT 1.5-2.5 times control without hemorrhage.
Effective prevention of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli, as well as maintaining IV catheter patency.

Antidote

Protamine sulfate serves as the antidote for heparin overdose.

Client Education

Advise clients to report any unusual bleeding or bruising.
Caution against the use of aspirin or NSAIDs during therapy.
Recommend using a soft toothbrush and electric razor to minimize bleeding risks.
Clients should carry an ID card with medication information.

Mechanism of Action

Heparin prevents the formation of new clots but does not dissolve existing ones.

Therapeutic Range

The therapeutic range is defined as three times the normal PTT range.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of Heparin in this quiz. Test your knowledge on its therapeutic and pharmacologic classes as well as its expected pharmacological actions. Ideal for pharmacy students and healthcare professionals.