Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: FRAGMIN versus HEPARIN UFH.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: FRAGMIN versus HEPARIN UFH.
FRAGMIN vs Heparin (UFH)
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, inducing a conformational change that accelerates the inactivation of thrombin (factor IIa) and factor Xa, 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.
Intravenous: Initial bolus of 80 units/kg (or 5000 units) followed by continuous infusion of 18 units/kg/h (or 1300 units/h), adjusted to maintain aPTT 1.5-2.5 times control. Subcutaneous: 5000 units every 8-12 hours for prophylaxis.
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)
0.5–2 hours (dose-dependent; at therapeutic doses, ~1–2 h; with higher doses, up to 2.5 h). Clinical context: shorter half-life in pulmonary embolism; prolonged in hepatic or renal impairment.
Primarily renal excretion (up to 70% as unchanged drug via glomerular filtration); minor biliary/fecal elimination (<15%)
Primarily cleared via reticuloendothelial system and metabolism; renal excretion of unchanged drug is minimal (<5%).
Category C
Category A/B
Anticoagulant
Anticoagulant