Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: FRAGMIN versus HEPARIN SODIUM 12 500 UNITS IN DEXTROSE 5 IN PLASTIC CONTAINER.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: FRAGMIN versus HEPARIN SODIUM 12 500 UNITS IN DEXTROSE 5 IN PLASTIC CONTAINER.
FRAGMIN vs HEPARIN SODIUM 12,500 UNITS IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
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 binds to antithrombin III (ATIII) and accelerates its inhibition of thrombin (factor IIa) and other serine proteases (factors Xa, IXa, XIa, XIIa) in the coagulation cascade, thereby preventing fibrin clot formation.
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.
Continuous IV infusion: Initial bolus 80 units/kg, then 18 units/kg/hour; subsequent dose adjusted based on aPTT. Typical infusion rate: 20,000–40,000 units/24 hours.
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 is 1-2 hours at therapeutic doses, dose-dependent: 30-60 min after IV bolus of 25 U/kg, increasing to 1.5-2.5 hours after 400 U/kg. Prolonged in hepatic/renal impairment and pulmonary embolism. Clinical context: continuous infusion achieves steady-state after ~4-6 hours.
Primarily renal excretion (up to 70% as unchanged drug via glomerular filtration); minor biliary/fecal elimination (<15%)
Heparin is eliminated primarily via hepatic metabolism and renal excretion. Approximately 50% of a dose undergoes hepatic desulfation and depolymerization to form uroheparin, which is excreted in urine. Unchanged heparin is cleared renally via saturable, dose-dependent mechanisms. Biliary/fecal elimination is negligible (<5%).
Category C
Category A/B
Anticoagulant
Anticoagulant