Heparin Interpharma

Heparin is a naturally occurring mucopolysaccharide which inhibits the clotting of blood in vitro and in vivo. It enhances the rate at which antithrombin III neutralises thrombin and activated factor X (Xa). Antithrombin III also neutralises other activated coagulation factors, for example, factors IX, XI, XII and plasmin.

With low dose heparin therapy, anticoagulation appears to result from neutralisation of Xa which prevents the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. With full dose heparin therapy, anticoagulation appears to result primarily from neutralisation of thrombin which prevents the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. Full dose heparin therapy also prevents the formation of a stable fibrin clot by inhibiting activation of fibrin stabilising factor.