Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: FRAGMIN versus HEPARIN SODIUM PRESERVATIVE FREE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: FRAGMIN versus HEPARIN SODIUM PRESERVATIVE FREE.
FRAGMIN vs HEPARIN SODIUM PRESERVATIVE FREE
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), causing a conformational change that accelerates the inactivation of thrombin (factor IIa) and factor Xa, as well as factors IXa, XIa, and XIIa. This inhibits clot formation and 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.
Initial bolus of 80 units/kg IV, followed by continuous infusion at 18 units/kg/hour IV; adjusted to maintain aPTT of 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 half-life is 0.5–2.5 hours (mean ~1.5 h) after IV administration; dose-dependent due to saturable clearance. At therapeutic doses, half-life averages 1–2 hours.
Primarily renal excretion (up to 70% as unchanged drug via glomerular filtration); minor biliary/fecal elimination (<15%)
Primarily renal; small amounts in urine as unchanged drug and metabolites. Biliary/fecal elimination is negligible (<5%).
Category C
Category A/B
Anticoagulant
Anticoagulant