Heparin Sodium

IM use not recommended. Confirm choice of correct strength prior to administration. Monitor for any degree of thrombocytopenia; discontinue if platelet count falls <100000/mm³ or if recurrent thrombosis develops; evaluate for HIT and HITT; if needed, give alternative anticoagulant. Major bleeding or conditions with increased risk of hemorrhage (eg, bacterial endocarditis, severe hypertension, surgery, hemophilia, hereditary antithrombin III deficiency receiving concurrent antithrombin III therapy, ulcerative lesions, continuous GI tube drainage, menstruation, liver disease with impaired hemostasis). Monitor blood coagulation tests (discontinue if test is unduly prolonged or if hemorrhage occurs), platelets, hematocrit, and occult blood in stool during therapy, regardless of the route of administration. Heparin resistance (monitor). History of allergy. Not interchangeable (unit-for-unit) with low molecular weight heparins. Women >60yrs of age. Elderly. Neonates/infants (gasping syndrome due to benzyl alcohol), pregnancy, nursing mothers: use preservative-free formulations.