Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: FRAGMIN versus HEPARIN SODIUM 25 000 UNITS IN DEXTROSE 5.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: FRAGMIN versus HEPARIN SODIUM 25 000 UNITS IN DEXTROSE 5.
FRAGMIN vs HEPARIN SODIUM 25,000 UNITS IN DEXTROSE 5%
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 sodium binds to antithrombin III (ATIII), inducing a conformational change that accelerates ATIII-mediated inactivation of factor Xa and thrombin (factor IIa), thereby inhibiting coagulation.
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.
Initial IV bolus of 5000 units, followed by continuous IV infusion at 1300 units/hour (typically 25,000 units in 500 mL D5W at 26 mL/hour) for therapeutic anticoagulation; dose titrated to aPTT 1.5-2.5 times control.
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 approximately 1.5 hours (range 1–2 hours) after intravenous administration; dose-dependent: at therapeutic doses, half-life is about 1 hour; at higher doses, up to 2.5 hours. Clinical context: shorter half-life in pulmonary embolism, longer in renal impairment.
Primarily renal excretion (up to 70% as unchanged drug via glomerular filtration); minor biliary/fecal elimination (<15%)
Renal: negligible; primarily metabolized by the liver and reticuloendothelial system; small amount excreted unchanged in urine (<5%). Biliary/fecal: minimal.
Category C
Category A/B
Anticoagulant
Anticoagulant