HEPARIN

HEPARIN

Heparin is highly sulphated dextrorotatory active mucopolysaccharide, having specific anticoagulant properties. It is composed of D-glucosamine and D-glucuronic acid residues. Its molecular weight varies from 6,000 to 20,000 depending on source and method of determination. It is a constituent of various tissues especially livers, lung and mast cells in several mammalian species and isolated from these tissues using suitable methods of isolation. The difference between heparin samples lies in the degree of de-N-sulphation and the extent of O-sulphation at position 2 of 14 linked hexuronic acid and position 3 of hexosamine unit. Heparin has been shown to potentiate the activity of angiogenesis promotors. It is a member of the mucopolysaccharides such as chondroitin sulphates A, B and C, keratosulphate, hyaluronic acid and heparitin sulphate. It is a polymer consisting of alternating D-glucuronic acid and 2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose units. All the amino groups of the hexoseamine are sulphated.

Heparin has the property of prolonging the clotting time of blood in man and other animals and does not exhibit any other biological action. The exact mechanism of its blood coagulation nature is unknown. It is not active orally and is administered intravenously. The usual clotting time with heparin is from 15 to 20 minutes.

Heparin Calcium (Brand Name; Calciparine) is a preparation containing the calcium salt of a sulphated glucosaminoglycan present in mammalian tissues, and having the characteristic property of delaying the clotting of shed blood. It is prepared from the lungs of oxen or the intestinal mucosa of oxen, pigs, or sheep. It is a white, moderately hygroscopic powder, soluble in water; stored in airtight containers.

Heparin sodium (Brand Names: Heprinar; Hepsal; Lipo-Hepin: Liquemin; Lipo-Hepinette, Longheparin; Panheprin: Pularin; Liquaemin sodium; Minihep; Thrombo-Hepin; 

Thromboliquine Thrombophob; Unihelp) is a preparation containing the sodium salt of a sulphated glucosaminoglycan present in mammalian tissues and having the characteristic property of delaying the clottingofshed blood. It is prepared from the lungs of oxenor the intestinal mucosa of oxen, pigs, or sheep.

Heparin sodium is a white, odourless, moderately hygroscopic powder which is soluble in water; practically insoluble in alcohol, acetone, benzene, chloroform and ether. Ampuled solutions may be stored at room temperature for at least 12 months.

Uses : Heparin is an anticoagulant which inhibits clotting of blood. It is used in the prevention and arrest of deep-vein thrombosis in the treatment of frostbite to prevent gangrene, to treat pulmonary embolism and peripheral arterial embolism, as a precursor to oral anticoagulation, to prevent coagulation during dialysis and as an adjunct to thrombolytic therapy. Other uses include the anticoagulation of blood samples and the flushing of catheters and cannulas to maintain potency.

 Heparin can give rise to haemorrhage and can cause thrombocytopenia. Allergic reactions may occur, such as local irritant effects, necrosis, alopecia and spontaneous fractures.