ardeparin

Ardeparin is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) anticoagulant used primarily for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to pulmonary embolism, especially following knee replacement surgery when patients are at increased risk due to immobility. It is derived from porcine intestinal mucosa via peroxide degradation of heparin. Ardeparin acts by binding to antithrombin III, accelerating its activity and leading to inactivation of factor Xa and thrombin, thereby inhibiting clot formation. It also binds to heparin cofactor II, further inhibiting thrombin. Compared with unfractionated heparins, ardeparin has greater anti-factor Xa activity relative to anti-factor IIa activity and offers more predictable pharmacokinetics with higher bioavailability after subcutaneous administration. The drug was marketed under the brand name Normiflo but was withdrawn from the US market in 2000[1][3][4][6][8].

Brand names

Normiflo

Other names

ardeparin sodium