Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: FRAGMIN versus HEPARIN LOCK FLUSH.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: FRAGMIN versus HEPARIN LOCK FLUSH.
FRAGMIN vs HEPARIN LOCK FLUSH
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Fragmin (dalteparin) is a low molecular weight heparin that binds to antithrombin III, potentiating its inhibition of factor Xa and, to a lesser extent, thrombin, thereby preventing thrombus formation.
Heparin potentiates the activity of antithrombin III, inactivating thrombin and activated factor X (FXa), thereby preventing fibrin formation and thrombus propagation.
Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis: 2500 IU subcutaneously once daily, starting 1-2 hours before surgery and continuing postoperatively for 5-10 days or until ambulatory. Treatment of acute DVT: 200 IU/kg subcutaneously once daily, or 100 IU/kg twice daily. Unstable angina/NSTEMI: 120 IU/kg subcutaneously every 12 hours (max 10,000 IU per dose) with aspirin.
10-100 units/mL solution, 1-2 mL flush intravascularly after each catheter use or daily when catheter is not in use; typical adult dose: 10-100 units per flush.
None Documented
None Documented
2-4 hours (anti-Xa activity) after subcutaneous administration; prolonged in renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min: up to 6-12 hours)
Terminal elimination half-life approximately 1-2 hours (mean 1.5 hours) at therapeutic doses; increases with dose; in renal failure, half-life prolonged up to 3-5 hours; clinical note: duration of effect short due to rapid clearance, requiring continuous infusion or frequent dosing.
Primarily renal excretion (up to 70% as unchanged drug via glomerular filtration); minor biliary/fecal elimination (<15%)
Primarily renal via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion; about 50% excreted unchanged in urine; remainder metabolized in the liver and reticuloendothelial system (heparinase); fecal elimination negligible (<5%).
Category C
Category A/B
Anticoagulant
Anticoagulant