It is a an injectable anticoagulant

Indications: deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, unstable angina, disseminated intravascular coagulation, prevention of post-operative thrombosis. Cautions: pregnancy, elderly, hepatic or renal impairment, heparin induced thrombocytopenia, hyperkalaemia.

Contra-indications: haemophilia and other haemorrhagic disorders, peptic ulcers, cerebral aneurysm, severe hypertension, severe liver disease, recent surgery of eye or nervous system, hypersensitivity to heparin.

Side Effects: hemorrhage, skin necrosis, thrombocytopenia, hyperkalaemia, hypersensitivity (urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis), osteoporosis after prolonged use; rarely alopecia.

Dose: For prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis in general surgery by subcutaneous injection, 5000 units 2 hours before surgery, then every 8-12 hours until patient is ambulant; In pregnancy, 5000-- 10, 000 units every 12 hours. Treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, loading dose of 5000 units (10, 000 in pulmonary embolism) followed by continuous infusion of 15-- 25 units/Kg/Hr or treatment of deep vein thrombosis by subcutaneous injection of 15000 units every 12 hours. Monitoring of dosage on daily basis. In unstable angina, acute peripheral arterial occlusion, same as intravenous regimen for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.