Dalteparin is a
low molecular weight heparin. It is marketed as Fragmin. Like other low molecular weight heparins, dalteparin is used for prophylaxis or treatment of
deep vein thrombosis and
pulmonary embolism to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack.[2] Dalteparin acts by potentiating the activity of
antithrombin III, inhibiting formation of both
Factor Xa and
thrombin.[3] It is normally administered by self-injection.
The CLOT study, published in 2003, showed that in patients with malignancy and acute
venous thromboembolism (VTE), dalteparin was more effective than
warfarin in reducing the risk of recurrent embolic events.[4] Dalteparin is not superior to
unfractionated heparin in preventing blood clots.[5]
Heparins are
cleared by the
kidneys, but studies have shown that dalteparin does not accumulate even if
kidney function is reduced.[6] Approximately 70% of dalteparin is excreted through kidneys based on animal studies.[7]
^Douketis J, Cook D, Meade M, et al. (2008). "Prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis in critically ill patients with severe renal insufficiency with the low-molecular-weight heparin dalteparin". Arch Intern Med. 168 (16): 1805–1812.
doi:
10.1001/archinte.168.16.1805.
PMID18779469.
S2CID1513885.
^World Health Organization (2021). World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 22nd list (2021). Geneva: World Health Organization.
hdl:10665/345533. WHO/MHP/HPS/EML/2021.02.
External links
"Dalteparin sodium". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine.