Cal-heparin Ampoules are a biologic medication used intravenously or subcutaneously, containing heparin as its primary active ingredient. Heparin belongs to an important class of medications known as anticoagulants, often referred to as "blood thinners." Cal-heparin works through a complex mechanism aimed at inhibiting the formation of abnormal blood clots in blood vessels and preventing the growth of existing clots, helping to maintain healthy blood flow and reduce the risks associated with these clots. This medication is used in a wide range of critical and chronic medical conditions related to blood clot formation, playing a crucial role in saving patients' lives and improving their health outcomes.
The active ingredient in Cal-heparin Ampoules
Cal-heparin Ampoules contains the following active ingredient, which is the basis of its therapeutic effect:
Heparin Sodium: A large, complex, highly negatively charged molecule, it is a naturally occurring anticoagulant typically extracted from certain animal tissues. Heparin works indirectly by binding to a blood protein called antithrombin III, which significantly enhances the ability of antithrombin III to inhibit several key clotting factors in the blood coagulation cascade, such as thrombin (factor IIa) and factor Xa. By inhibiting these factors, heparin prevents the formation of fibrin, the fibrous protein that forms the basic structure of blood clots.
Available Concentrations
Cal-heparin ampoules are available in a variety of different concentrations of heparin sodium to meet the diverse therapeutic needs of patients and suit different routes of administration that physicians may choose based on the patient's clinical condition and the speed of the desired effect. Common market concentrations of Cal-heparin ampoules include:
5,000 International Units (IU) per ml: This concentration is often used to prevent subcutaneous blood clots at low doses or to treat certain conditions that require lower doses. 10,000 International Units (IU) per ml: This concentration can be used for subcutaneous injection at higher doses or for intravenous administration in some cases.
Other, higher or lower concentrations may be available to suit specific needs, particularly for continuous intravenous administration in intensive care units or during certain medical procedures.
The exact dose and route of administration (either direct intravenous injection, continuous intravenous infusion, or subcutaneous injection) are determined by the treating physician individually for each patient based on a careful assessment of the patient's medical condition, weight, risk factors, purpose of treatment (prevention or treatment), and results of regular blood clotting tests.
Indications for Use of Cal-heparin Ampoules
Cal-heparin Ampoules are used in a wide range of important medical conditions to treat and prevent blood clots, including:
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): These are clots that form in the deep veins, often in the legs, and can be dangerous if they break off and travel to the lungs. Heparin is used to treat these clots and prevent their growth and spread.
Pulmonary embolism (PE): This occurs when a blood clot travels from another part of the body (usually from the deep veins in the legs) and lodges in the blood vessels in the lungs, blocking blood flow. Heparin is used to treat and prevent further blockages.
Preventing blood clots during surgery: Especially major surgeries that increase the risk of clot formation, such as major orthopedic surgery and abdominal and pelvic surgeries. Low-dose heparin is given before, during, and after surgery for prevention.
Preventing blood clots in bedridden patients: Patients who are limited in movement for long periods due to illness or injury are at risk of blood clots. Low-dose heparin can be used for prevention in these patients.
Treatment of some types of unstable angina and myocardial infarction: Heparin is used in some acute cases related to heart disease to prevent new clots from forming in the coronary arteries.