Enoxaparin is a drug belonging to the heparin family. It is an anticoagulant that can be used in different medical conditions that require the prevention or treatment of blood clots or emboli. Such is the case before significant surgeries, prolonged rest, or heart disease.
If you are interested in knowing what enoxaparin is for, what the dose is, and how it is applied. Its different presentations, we invite you to read this article by FastlyHeal.
Table of Contents
What is Enoxaparin for
Enoxaparin sodium is an anticoagulant. It prevents the formation of clots or thrombi in the bloodstream. It does not affect the function of platelets.
It is from the family or perhaps a better-known drug: heparin. It is low molecular weight heparin.
This drug is usually used in different conditions in which it is sought to prevent or reduce clotting, such as:
- Before significant surgery (usually trauma or cancer), there is a risk of venous thrombosis.
- People in prolonged rest.
- Those with serious diseases that can potentially form thrombi: severe infections, acute heart failure, respiratory failure, among others.
- Those with deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
- She was suffering from pulmonary embolism.
- During hemodialysis.
- Patients with acute coronary problems, such as heart attacks or angina pectoris.
It should be taken into account that coagulation tests should be performed before and after treatment with enoxaparin.
Enoxaparin dosage
The amount of enoxaparin to be used must be established by the doctor who has indicated it since it not only depends on the disease suffered, but there are other factors to take into account, such as:
- Age.
- Weight.
- Greater or lesser risk of thrombi.
- Other medications that are being used (including herbal preparations).
- Current and previous illnesses.
- Having previously suffered from thrombopenia.
Generally speaking, the doses of enoxaparin usually range from 20 mg (2000 IU) to 100 mg (10,000 IU), depending on the case. Presentations of up to 150 mg can be found.
According to medical indications, it can be applied once a day or two.
How Enoxaparin Is Applied
Enoxaparin can be applied in subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV).
Subcutaneous application
The person receiving the medication should preferably lie down.
The syringe is pre-filled. That is, it is already ready for use. No attempt should be made to expel the air bubble to avoid medication loss.
It must be injected under the skin of the abdominal wall. The place must be alternated each time. They can be chosen: the anterior correct lateral zone, the anterior left lateral zone, the posterior correct lateral zone, or the rear left the lateral location.
The injection should be given deep subcutaneously. The technique is as follows:
- A fold of skin should be taken between the index finger and thumb from the chosen area.
- The needle should be applied vertically, the entire hand.
- When the total dose has been used, the skin must be released. Until then, the fold must be held.
- The skin should not be rubbed after the injection.
Intravenous application
This way of use is less frequent. Enoxaparin should not be mixed with other medications in the same syringe.
The area where the injection should be given should be cleaned with saline or dextrose, not another type of antiseptic.
A single bolus dose of enoxaparin is applied, that is, all the medication at one time. There is no need to use it slowly.
This way of injecting enoxaparin is for specific cases. Sometimes, it is usually indicated as the first dose of a more prolonged treatment that will be continued with the subcutaneous route or when the anticoagulant dose needs to be immediately available.
Presentations of Enoxaparin
Enoxaparin usually comes alone in a pre-filled syringe. There are different presentations according to the doses. You will find that they are expressed in acronyms:
- UI: refers to the International Units.
- Mg: to milligrams.
- Ml: to milliliters.
This applies as follows: 10,000 IU (100 mg) / 1 ml means that this 1 ml presentation contains 10,000 IU of enoxaparin or 100 mg.
The presentations of enoxaparin available in the market depend on the different brands. Those that are usually found frequently are:
- 10.000 UI (100 mg) / 1 ml
- 12000 UI (120 mg) / 0,8 ml
- 15.000 UI (150 mg) / 1 ml
- 2.000 UI (20 mg) / 0,2 ml
- 4.000 UI (40 mg) / 0.40 ml
- 6.000 UI (60 mg) / 0,6 ml
- 8.000 UI (80 mg) / 0,8 ml
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Enoxaparin: what it is for, dosage, and how it is applied, we recommend that you enter our Medication and medical tests category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.