Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH)

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is a class of anticoagulant medications derived from unfractionated heparin (UFH) by chemical or enzymatic depolymerization. LMWHs are used primarily for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and myocardial infarction. LMWH exerts its anticoagulant effect primarily by activating antithrombin III. This activation leads to inhibition of factor Xa and, to a lesser extent, thrombin (factor IIa). Routine coagulation monitoring is generally not required except in special populations like patients at extremes of body weight or with renal dysfunction. Caution should be exercised in patients with end-stage renal disease due to predominant renal clearance.

Other names

EnoxaparinDalteparinTinzaparinBemiparinNadroparinReviparin

Activates antithrombin III, leading to inhibition of factor Xa (primarily) and, to a lesser extent, thrombin (factor IIa).