2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Preparation for Administration
Confirm the selection of the correct formulation and strength prior to administration of the drug.
Do not use HEPARIN SODIUM IN 5% DEXTROSE INJECTION as a “catheter lock flush” product.
Do not admix with other drugs.
Do not use plastic containers in series connection.
This product should not be infused under pressure.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
Do not administer unless the solution is clear and container is undamaged.
Discard unused portion
To Open
Tear outer wrap and remove solution container.
(Use aseptic technique)
- 1.
- Close flow control clamp of administration set.
- 2.
- Remove cover from outlet port at bottom of container.
- 3.
- Insert piercing pin of administration set into port with a twisting motion until the set is firmly seated.
NOTE: See full directions on administration set carton. - 4.
- Suspend container from hanger.
- 5.
- Squeeze and release drip chamber to establish proper fluid level in chamber.
- 6.
- Open flow control clamp and clear air from set. Close clamp.
- 7.
- Attach set to venipuncture device. If device is not indwelling, prime and make venipuncture.
- 8.
- Regulate rate of administration with flow control clamp.
Warning: Do not use flexible container in series connections.
2.2 Laboratory Monitoring for Efficacy and Safety
The dosage of heparin sodium should be adjusted according to the patient's coagulation test results. When heparin is given by continuous intravenous infusion, the coagulation time should be determined approximately every 4 hours in the early stages of treatment. When the drug is administered intermittently by intravenous injection, coagulation tests should be performed before each injection during the early stages of treatment and at appropriate intervals thereafter. Dosage is considered adequate when the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is 1.5 to 2 times normal or when the whole blood clotting time is elevated approximately 2.5 to 3 times the control value.
Periodic platelet counts, hematocrits, and tests for occult blood in stool are recommended during the entire course of heparin therapy.
2.3 Therapeutic Anticoagulant Effect with Full-Dose Heparin
The dosing recommendations in Table 1 are based on clinical experience. Although dosage must be adjusted for the individual patient according to the results of suitable laboratory tests, the following dosage schedules may be used as guidelines:
| Method of Administration | Frequency | Recommended Dose* |
|---|---|---|
| ||
Intermittent Intravenous Injection | Initial Dose | 10,000 Units, either undiluted or in 50 to 100 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection |
Every 4 to 6 hours | 5,000 to 10,000 Units, either undiluted or in 50 to 100 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection | |
Continuous Intravenous Infusion | Initial Dose | 5,000 Units by intravenous injection |
Continuous | 20,000 to 40,000 Units/24 hours in 1000 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection | |
2.4 Pediatric Use
There are no adequate and well controlled studies on heparin use in pediatric patients. Pediatric dosing recommendations are based on clinical experience. In general, the following dosage schedule may be used as a guideline in pediatric patients:
Initial Dose | 75 to 100 units/kg (intravenous bolus over 10 minutes) |
Maintenance Dose | Infants: 25 to 30 units/kg/hour; |
Monitoring | Adjust heparin to maintain APTT of 60 to 85 seconds, assuming this reflects an anti-Factor Xa level of 0.35 to 0.70. |
2.5 Cardiovascular Surgery
Patients undergoing total body perfusion for open-heart surgery should receive an initial dose of not less than 150 units of heparin sodium per kilogram of body weight. Frequently, a dose of 300 units per kilogram is used for procedures estimated to last less than 60 minutes or 400 units per kilogram for those estimated to last longer than 60 minutes.
2.6 Converting to Warfarin
To ensure continuous anticoagulation when converting from heparin sodium to warfarin, continue full heparin therapy for several days until the INR (prothrombin time) has reached a stable therapeutic range. Heparin therapy may then be discontinued without tapering [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].
2.7 Converting to Oral Anticoagulants other than Warfarin
For patients currently receiving intravenous heparin, stop intravenous infusion of heparin sodium immediately after administering the first dose of oral anticoagulant; or for intermittent intravenous administration of heparin sodium, start oral anticoagulant 0 to 2 hours before the time that the next dose of heparin was to have been administered.