This is why it's great for a short term therapy.

The onset of these medications are very different. Warfarin can be given orally or intravenously, but it's most commonly given orally. However, Heparin can not be given orally because Heparin is inactivated by gastric acids in the stomach. Heparin can be given intravenously or subcutaneously. Let's dive into the key differences between these two medications. Key Differences Between Heparin and Warfarin The difference between Heparin and Low Molecular Weight Heparin is that Low Molecular Weight Heparins produce a more stable response and they have a lower chance of bleeding than Heparin sodium. So I like to use this thing called saved by the suffixes method for learning medications. It's almost impossible to remember every single medication in your textbook. Learn the suffixes for each medication class rather than memorizing each medication individually.

The suffix is PARIN, like Enoxa PARIN or Dalte PARIN. Low molecular weight Heparins are easy to recognize because of their SUFFIXES. An example of a Low Molecular Weight Heparin is enoxaparin, brand name Lovenox. You'll see it written as LMWH, also called fractionated Heparin. Heparin is a little bit more difficult because it's available as Heparin sodium and something else called Low Molecular Weight Heparin. It also helps prevent clots such as DVTs and PEs postoperatively, meaning clients who just got out of really long surgeries are at increased risk for blood clots. These medications prevent or treat blood clots in those with DVTs (Deep Vein Thrombosis), PEs (Pulmonary Embolisms), and A-fib, which is a dysrhythmia that causes blood to accumulate in the heart's chambers, causing blood clots. They DO NOT THIN THE BLOOD or dissolve clots, they only prevent new clots from forming or prevent current clots from getting bigger. You'll hear Heparin and Warfarin referred to as blood thinners. ❌ What anticoagulants don't do is thin the blood. ✔️ What anticoagulants do is they prevent new clots from forming and they prevent current clots from getting bigger. Today I'm going to talk about anticoagulants, specifically Heparin and Warfarin! If you're following along with your pharmacology flashcards, I'm in the cardiovascular section on the Heparin and the Warfarin card.īefore we dive into the core differences between these two medications, let's talk about what anticoagulants do and what they don't do. Hey there! It's Kristine from Nurse In The Making.

Warfarin antidote protamine sulfate