Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 26, 2022.
Patients anticoagulated with low molecular weight heparins or heparinoids who receive neuraxial anesthesia or undergo a spinal puncture are at risk for epidural or spinal hematomas, which may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. The use of indwelling epidural catheters, concomitant drugs that also affect hemostasis (eg, NSAIDs, platelet inhibitors, or other anticoagulants), history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures, or history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery further increase this risk. The optimal timing of dalteparin administration and a neuraxial procedure is unknown. Frequent monitoring for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment is recommended. Seek urgent treatment if neurological compromise occurs .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Fragmin
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Anticoagulant
Pharmacologic Class: Low Molecular Weight Heparin
Uses for dalteparin
Dalteparin is used to prevent deep venous thrombosis, a condition in which harmful blood clots form in the blood vessels of the legs. These blood clots can travel to the lungs and can become lodged in the blood vessels of the lungs, causing a condition called pulmonary embolism. Dalteparin is also used together with aspirin to prevent blood clots from forming in blood vessels of patients with unstable angina or heart attack. Dalteparin is also used for several days after abdominal surgery, hip replacement surgery, or while you are unable to walk. It is during this time that blood clots are most likely to form. Dalteparin is also used to treat symptomatic blood clots (eg, pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis) in children and as extended treatment of symptomatic blood clots in adults with cancer.
Dalteparin is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using dalteparin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For dalteparin, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if..
