Heparin sodium is a fast-acting blood thinner used in hospitals to prevent and treat blood clots. Doctors use it for things like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), during some surgeries, and to keep IV lines from clotting. It works right away and is given by injection or IV drip.
Heparin boosts natural proteins in your blood that stop clotting. That makes clots less likely to form or grow. There are two main kinds you’ll hear about: unfractionated heparin (often just called heparin) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) like enoxaparin. Heparin sodium is the unfractionated type and is usually used when quick control or easy reversal is needed.
Typical uses include: clot prevention after surgery, treating active clots, keeping dialysis or central lines open, and as a bridge to other anticoagulants. In pregnancy it's often chosen because it does not cross the placenta.
Dosing depends on why you need it. For clot prevention, hospitals often give 5,000 units subcutaneously every 8–12 hours. For treating active clots, an IV bolus followed by an infusion is common. Because heparin effects vary, hospitals monitor aPTT (a blood test) for IV heparin to keep you in the right range.
Watch for bleeding. The most common risk is bleeding — from nosebleeds to heavier bleeding at wound sites. If you notice unusually heavy bleeding, more bruises than normal, blood in urine or stool, or severe headache, tell a clinician right away.
Heparin can also cause heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). HIT is when platelets drop sharply and, paradoxically, clotting risk rises. It usually shows up 5–14 days after starting heparin. If your platelet count falls a lot, doctors stop heparin and switch to other medicines.
Protamine sulfate reverses heparin if bleeding needs to be stopped quickly. Reversal dosing depends on how much heparin you received and when.
Drug interactions matter. Combining heparin with antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, clopidogrel), NSAIDs (ibuprofen), or other anticoagulants raises bleeding risk. Always tell providers about all medicines and supplements you take.
Heparin comes in different forms. Low-dose heparin flushes help keep IV lines open. Therapeutic doses are larger and need careful monitoring. Storage is usually at room temperature — follow the label or pharmacy instructions.
Buying heparin online without a prescription is risky. Heparin is prescription-only for a reason — dosing and monitoring need medical supervision. If you see offers to buy it cheaply without paperwork, avoid them and talk to your doctor or local pharmacy instead.
If you have questions about a specific dose, side effect, or how heparin fits into your care plan, ask the clinician who prescribed it. They can explain monitoring, reversal plans, and what to watch for at home.
