Heparin Other names: Unfractionated heparin

Chemical formula: C₂₆H₄₁NO₃₄S₄  Molecular mass: 1,039.9 g/mol 

Pharmacodynamic properties

Heparin is an anticoagulant and acts by inhibiting thrombin and by potentiating the naturally occurring inhibitors of activated Factor X (Xa).

Pharmacokinetic properties

As heparin is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and sublingual sites it is administered by injection. After injection heparin extensively binds to plasma proteins.

Heparin is metabolised in the liver and the inactive metabolic products are excreted in the urine.

The half life of heparin is dependent on the dose.

Preclinical safety data

There are no pre-clinical data.

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