Low Molecular Weight Heparins
Definition
Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) belong to a class of medications known as blood thinners. They are used to stop blood clots from forming and growing.
Purpose
LMWHs are used to prevent and treat blood clots in persons undergoing certain types of surgery, recent heart attack, severe chest pain caused by disease of heart vessels usually from fat deposits (unstable angina), and people who have blood clots in their veins (also known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT) or lungs (also known as pulmonary embolism or PE). As of 2001, there are three drugs that belong to the class of LMWHs: enoxaparin, dalteparin, and tinzaparin. All three have the same mechanism of action, but differ in their doses, structures, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicated uses.
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