Heparin – effect, application & risks

Heparin is one of the anticoagulants and venous agents. As a venous agent, it has a dissolving effect on thrombi (blood clots). Heparin can also prevent the formation of new superficial blockages in the vessels. In the event of swelling, heparin promotes blood circulation and the return flow of blood to the heart. This reduces water retention in the tissue , and the swelling and the resulting pain usually decrease.

As a so-called anticoagulant, its effect is based on the intervention in the coagulation system of the blood. It thus prevents blood from clotting, which means blood is kept liquid and neither thickened nor clumped together. Thus, thrombi and embolisms can be avoided. If there are already thrombi, heparin can shrink them.

Medical application

Heparin is used primarily as a preventive measure against blood clots or vascular occlusions. It is also used for existing vascular occlusions. As a rule, heparin can also be used in the early treatment of heart attacks or in the case of an unstable heart.Heparin is also used in operations that require the use of a heart-lung machine or in dialysis to prevent blood clotting in the tube system or the equipment.

In addition, heparin can be used externally (gel, cream, ointment) for swelling after an injury or surgery (e.g. bruises , bruises ) and for phlebitis . For example, heparin is used for edema (water retention in the tissue), for venous diseases, for leg and pelvic vein thrombosis or for eye infections caused by herpes viruses.

Heparin is one of the anticoagulants and venous agents. As a venous agent, it has a dissolving effect on thrombi (blood clots). Heparin can also prevent the formation of new superficial blockages in the vessels. In the event of swelling , heparin promotes blood circulation and the return flow of blood to the heart. This reduces water retention in the tissue, and the swelling and the resulting pain usually decrease.

As a so-called anticoagulant, its effect is based on the intervention in the coagulation system of the blood. It thus prevents blood from clotting, which means blood is kept liquid and neither thickened nor clumped together. Thus, thrombi and embolisms can be avoided. If there are already thrombi, heparin can shrink them.

shapes and groups

Heparin comes in a variety of drugs and forms. As a gel, it is commercially z. B. as Exhirud Heparin Gel 60,000 IU® or Hepa-Gel 30,000 IU/ 60,000 IU Lichtenstein®. Heparin is available in the form of ointments as Exhirud Heparin Ointment 60,000 IU ® or Hepa Ointment 30,000 IU/ 60,000 IU Lichtenstein®.

Furthermore, heparin is available in medicines such as Heparin 60,000 IU Heumann Creme®, Heparin POS Eye Ointment® and Heparin POS Eye Drops®. Heparins are polysaccharides that the body can produce itself and which have an inhibiting effect on what is known as the coagulation cascade. From a chemical point of view, they are glycosaminoglycans composed of a variable number of amino sugars with a molar mass between 4,000 and 40,000.

Interactions with other drugs

Interactions with other medications can generally vary due to the dosage form (e.g. tablet, ointment, injection). When using heparin in ointments or creams with a content of more than 180,000 international units (IU), interactions with other anticoagulant agents can occur. Interactions with painkillers (e.g. ASA ) can also occur, usually leading to an increased tendency to bleed.

In the form of an injection, heparin can interact with other drugs that influence blood clotting (e.g. ASA, dipyridamole, clopidogrel) or non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs and anti -inflammatory drugs . Increased bleeding tendencies were also observed here.

The effect can be further enhanced by taking dextrans (plasma substitutes) at the same time or by high-dose penicillin therapy. Nitro-based vasodilators given intravenously can reduce the effect of heparin. Proprandolol, a beta-blocker, is made more effective by heparin.

The effect of heparin is also weakened by H1 antihistamines (allergy medication), cardiac glycosides (means to strengthen the heart), vitamin C , antibiotics and nicotine. In general, falsifications usually occur in laboratory tests when a patient uses heparin.

Herbal, natural and pharmaceutical alternatives

Coumarins (oral antcoagulants – anticoagulants) and other anticoagulants (e.g. fondaparinux – heparin analogues, hirudin – derived from leeches) can be used as an alternative to heparin. These alternatives are quite suitable for patients who cannot tolerate heparin and often avoid heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

risks and side effects

External use of heparin rarely causes minor side effects. These include allergic reactions, hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. reddening of the skin, itching, burning). High dosage applications (more than 180,000 IU per 100 grams) can lead to increased bleeding tendency.

The use of heparin as an injection can often lead to an increase in liver and blood values ​​(which go back after the end of therapy). Redness, hardening, discoloration, small bruises and a lack of blood platelets are also possible side effects at the puncture site.In rare cases, it can also lead to body aches , itching , hives , nausea in connection with vomiting, spasms of the bronchial muscles and shortness of breath , drop in blood pressure and a lack of blood platelets.

Furthermore, temporary hair loss and over-acidification of the body were also observed in some patients. Occasionally, side effects of taking heparin in the form of cramping of the blood vessels, allergic shock, osteoporosis or even a permanent erection are known. Depending on the dosage level, skin bleeding, mucous membrane and nose bleeding, bruising, wound bleeding or gastrointestinal bleeding can also occur.