MedicinePOMEssential

Heparin

An injectable anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents and treats blood clots.

Clinical information

Common uses

treating and preventing vein clots and pulmonary embolism
preventing clots during surgery, dialysis and blood transfusions
clot complications of atrial fibrillation

Common side effects

bleeding
low platelet counts
injection site irritation
allergic-type reactions
raised liver enzymes

Cautions

bleeding can be serious — report unusual bruising or bleeding
heparin-induced low platelets (HIT) can cause dangerous clots
fatal dosing errors reported — strength must be checked carefully
benzyl-alcohol-preserved vials must not be used in babies

Interactions

drugs that affect platelets (e.g. antiplatelet medicines) — may cause bleeding

Pregnancy: can be used — preservative-free form recommended

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, Heparin Sodium Injection label, setid 9ea0a519-dc7c-42e3-939e-2a7c80eedd25 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations10

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Beparin	Parenteral ( Injection )	25000IU	authorized medicine importers	POM
Heparin	Parenteral ( Injection )	5000 IU	—	POM
Heparin	Parenteral ( Injection )	1000IU	—	POM
Heparin	Parenteral ( Injection )	20000IU	—	POM
Heparin	Parenteral ( Injection )	25000IU	—	POM
Heparin Leo	Parenteral ( Injection )	5000 IU	authorized medicine importers	POM
Heparin Sodium	Parenteral ( Injection )	2000 IU/mL in 2 Ml	—	POM
Heparin Sodium	Parenteral ( Injection )	1000 IU ( 5000 IU/5ml )	—	POM
Unihepa	Parenteral ( Injection )	5000IU/ml	Dial Trade & Travels Pvt Ltd	POM
Vaxcel Heparin Sodium Injection	Parenteral ( Injection- Solution )	5000 I.U./ml (5ml)	State Trading Organization Plc	POM