Home Drug Guide Ardeparin Sodium

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Ardeparin Sodium

Brand Names Normiflo

Classification

Therapeutic: Anticoagulant (antithrombotic)

Pharmacological: Heparin-like agent; Low molecular weight heparin

FDA Approved Indications

  • Prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients undergoing surgery or immobilization, including confined mobility due to illness.

Mechanism of Action

Ardeparin Sodium enhances the activity of antithrombin III, which inhibits thrombin and factor Xa, leading to decreased blood clot formation.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Dosage varies based on indication; typically administered subcutaneously or intravenously as per protocol; dose adjustments based on coagulation monitoring.

Pediatric: Use is limited; consult specific pediatric guidelines.

Geriatric: Adjust dose cautiously due to increased bleeding risk in the elderly.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; adjust dose based on renal function and monitoring.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific adjustment; use with caution, monitor coagulation parameters.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Poor oral absorption; administered parenterally.

Distribution: Limited; mainly plasma proteins.

Metabolism: Metabolized in the reticuloendothelial system and liver.

Excretion: Renal and hepatic pathways.

Half Life: Approximately 4.5 to 7 hours.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to heparin or porcine products.
  • Active significant bleeding.
  • History of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with bleeding disorders, recent surgery, or traumatic injury. Monitor for signs of bleeding; use cautiously in pregnancy and lactation.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Bleeding (Common)
  • Thrombocytopenia (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) (Serious but less common)
  • Severe bleeding (Serious)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Other anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, thrombolytics.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • Ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng (may increase bleeding risk).

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for signs of bleeding, platelet counts, coagulation parameters (aPTT).

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for bleeding
  • Impaired tissue perfusion due to bleeding

Implementation: Administer as prescribed, monitor lab values and patient response.

Evaluation: Assess for bleeding complications, monitor clotting times, and adjust doses accordingly.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Report signs of bleeding (bruising, hematuria, bleeding gums).
  • Do not take NSAIDs or other blood-thinning products without consultation.
  • Complete prescribed course of therapy.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Spinal hematoma risk in patients receiving neuraxial anesthesia or lumbar puncture.

Genetic Factors: Not specifically relevant.

Lab Test Interference: May affect activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Uncontrolled bleeding, hematomas.

Treatment: Discontinue heparin; administer protamine sulfate as an antidote for overdose.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, protected from light. Refrigeration not required.

Stability: Stable for the duration of the unopened vial's shelf life.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.