Chapter D - Chapter
from Drugs: An A–Z Guide
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 July 2019
Summary
Dalteparin is an LMWH with greater anti-factor Xa activity than anti-IIa (anti-thrombin) activity, which theoretically makes it more effective at preventing thrombin formation than standard (unfractionated) heparin with an equal anti-factor Xa and anti-IIa ratio.
After SC injection, LMWHs are better absorbed than unfractionated heparin, and bind less to proteins in plasma and in the endothelial wall. As a result they have around 90% bioavailability compared with 10–30% with unfractionated heparin. After SC injection, the plasma half-life of LMWHs is around 4 hours, enabling a single dose to provide effective anticoagulant activity for up to 24 hours in the treatment of venous thromboembolism, peri- and post-operative surgical thomboprophylaxis, and the prevention of clotting in the extracorporeal circulation during haemodialysis or haemofiltration.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Handbook of Drugs in Intensive CareAn A-Z Guide, pp. 79 - 106Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2019