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Drug Details

HEPSAL

• Drug Class Description
  Anticoagulants.
• Generic Name
  Heparin sodium injection
• Presentation
  Flushing solution for maintenance of patency of intravenous devices A colourless or straw coloured liquid, free from turbidity, and from matter that deposits on standing.
• Description
  Hepsal 10 I.U./ml flushing solution for maintenance of patency of intravenous devices or Heparin Sodium 10 I.U./ml flushing solution for maintenance of patency of intravenous devices.
• Indications
  

  Heparin is an anticoagulant and acts by potentiating the naturally occurring inhibitors of thrombin and factor X (Xa). Heparin Sodium 10 I.U./ml Flushing Solution is indicated in any clinical circumstances in which it is desired to maintain the patency of indwelling catheters/cannulae, attendant lines or heparin locks.

• Adult Dosage
  

  Heparin Sodium 10 I.U./ml Flushing Solution is not recommended for systemic use.

  For cleaning indwelling cannulae.

  Material to be used as a cannula flush (5ml; 50 units) every four hours or as required.

• Contra Indications
  

  The very rare occurrence of established hypersensitivity to heparin is the only contraindication to Heparin Sodium 10 I.U./ml Flushing Solution.

• Special Precautions
  

  Caution should be exercised in patients with known hypersensitivity to low molecular weight heparins.

  Rigorous aseptic technique should be observed at all times in its use.

  Platelet counts should be measured in patients receiving heparin flushes for longer than five days (or earlier in patients with previous exposure to heparin). In those who develop thrombocytopenia or paradoxical thrombosis, heparin should immediately be eliminated from all flushes and ports.

  Repeated flushing of a catheter device with heparin may result in a systemic anticoagulant effect.

• Interactions
  

  When an indwelling device is used for repeated withdrawal of blood samples for laboratory analyses and the presence of heparin or saline is likely to interfere with or alter results of the desired blood tests, the in situ heparin flush solution should be cleared from the device by aspirating and discarding a volume of solution equivalent to that of the indwelling venipuncture device before the desired blood sample is taken.

• Adverse Drug Reactions
  

  Used as directed, it is extremely unlikely that the low levels of heparin reaching the blood will have any systemic effect. However, there have been rare reports of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in patients receiving heparin flushes.

  Hypersensitivity reactions to heparin are rare. They include urticaria, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, asthma, cyanosis, tachypnoea, feeling of oppression, fever, chills, angioneurotic oedema and anaphylactic shock.