Heparin, topical

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended Adult Dosages: Therapeutic Anticoagulant Effect with Full-Dose Heparin † ( 2.4 ) † Based on 150 lb (68 kg) patient. Adjust dose based on laboratory monitoring. Deep Subcutaneous (Intrafat) Injection Use a different site for each injection Initial Dose 5,000 units by intravenous injection, followed by 10,000 to 20,000 units of a concentrated solution, subcutaneously Every 8 hours or Every 12 hours 8,000 to 10,000 units of a concentrated solution 15,000 to 20,000 units of a concentrated solution Intermittent Intravenous Injection Initial dose 10,000 units, either undiluted or in 50 to 100 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP Every 4 to 6 hours 5,000 to 10,000 units, either undiluted or in 50 to 100 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP Intravenous Infusion Initial dose 5,000 units by intravenous injection Continuous 20,000 to 40,000 units/24 hours in 1000 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (or in any compatible solution) for infusion 2.1 Preparation for Administration Confirm the choice of the correct Heparin Sodium Injection vial to ensure that the 1 mL vial is not confused with a “catheter lock flush” vial or other 1 mL vial of incorrect strength [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Confirm the selection of the correct formulation and strength prior to administration of the drug. To lessen this risk, the 1 mL vial includes a red cautionary statement. Read the cautionary statement and confirm that you have selected the correct medication and strength. When heparin is added to an infusion solution for continuous intravenous administration, invert the container repeatedly to ensure adequate mixing and prevent pooling of the heparin in the solution. Inspect parenteral drug products visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Use only if solution is clear and the seal is intact. Do not use if solution is discolored or contains a precipitate. Administer Heparin Sodium Injection by intermittent intravenous injection, intravenous infusion, or deep subcutaneous (intrafat, i.e., above the iliac crest or abdominal fat layer) injection. Do not administer Heparin Sodium Injection by intramuscular injection because of the risk of hematoma at the injection site [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . 2.3 Laboratory Monitoring for Efficacy and Safety Adjust the dosage of Heparin Sodium Injection according to the patient's coagulation test results. Dosage is considered adequate when the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is 1.5 to 2 times normal or when the whole blood clotting time is elevated approximately 2.5 to 3 times the control value. When initiating treatment with Heparin Sodium Injection by continuous intravenous infusion, determine the coagulation status (aPTT, INR, platelet count) at baseline and continue to follow aPTT approximately every 4 hours and then at appropriate intervals thereafter. When the drug is administered intermittently by intravenous injection, perform coagulation tests before each injection during the initiation of treatment and at appropriate intervals thereafter. After deep subcutaneous (intrafat) injections, tests for adequacy of dosage are best performed on samples drawn 4 to 6 hours after the injection. Periodic platelet counts and hematocrits are recommended during the entire course of heparin therapy, regardless of the route of administration. 2.4 Therapeutic Anticoagulant Effect with Full-Dose Heparin The dosing recommendations in Table 1 are based on clinical experience. Although dosages must be adjusted for the individual patient according to the results of suitable laboratory tests, the following dosage schedules may be used as guidelines: Table 1: Recommended Adult Full-Dose Heparin Regimens for Therapeutic Anticoagulant Effect METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION FREQUENCY RECOMMENDED DOSE [based on 150 lb (68 kg) patient] Deep Subcutaneous (Intrafat) Injection Initial dose 5,000 uni

8.4 Pediatric Use There are no adequate and well controlled studies on heparin use in pediatric patients. Pediatric dosing recommendations are based on clinical experience [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] . Carefully examine all Heparin Sodium Injection vials to confirm choice of the correct strength prior to administration of the drug. Pediatric patients, including neonates, have died as a result of medication errors in which Heparin Sodium Injection vials have been confused with “catheter lock flush” vials [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Benzyl Alcohol Toxicity Use preservative-free Heparin Sodium Injection in neonates and infants. Serious adverse reactions including fatal reactions and the “gasping syndrome” occurred in premature neonates and infants in the neonatal intensive care unit who received drugs containing benzyl alcohol as a preservative. In these cases, benzyl alcohol dosages of 99 to 234 mg/kg/day produced high levels of benzyl alcohol and its metabolites in the blood and urine (blood levels of benzyl alcohol were 0.61 to 1.378 mmol/L). Additional adverse reactions included gradual neurological deterioration, seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, hematologic abnormalities, skin breakdown, hepatic and renal failure, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Preterm, low-birth weight infants may be more likely to develop these reactions because they may be less able to metabolize benzyl alcohol.