Enoxaparin Sodium

Generic Details

Generic Name

Enoxaparin Sodium

Other Names

  • Lovenox

Drug Class

  • Anticoagulant

Chemical Formula

C26H41N5O46S5

Molecular Weight

581.71 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Bind to antithrombin III and potentiates the inhibition of factor Xa and thrombin

Indications

  • Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Treatment of DVT
  • Prophylaxis of ischemic complications in unstable angina and non-Q-wave MI
  • Treatment of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Common Dosage Forms

  • Prefilled syringes
  • Multi-dose vials

Typical Dosage

  • 1 mg/kg every 12 hours or 1.5 mg/kg once daily for prophylaxis
  • 1 mg/kg every 12 hours for the treatment of DVT

Pediatric Dosage

  • Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dose adjustment may be necessary in elderly patients

Side Effects

  • Bleeding
  • Hematoma
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Injection site reactions
  • Anemia

Contraindications

  • Active major bleeding
  • Hypersensitivity to enoxaparin or heparin

Pregnancy Category

  • Category B - No proven risk in humans

Lactation Safety

  • Caution advised, excretion in breast milk unknown

Drug Interactions

  • NSAIDs
  • Warfarin
  • Aspirin

Overdose Symptoms

  • Bleeding complications

Antidote for Overdose

  • Protamine sulfate

Storage Conditions

  • Store at controlled room temperature between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F)

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Bioavailability ~90% when administered subcutaneously
  • Distribution: Binds extensively to plasma proteins
  • Metabolism: Partially metabolized in the liver
  • Excretion: Renal (about 30% as unchanged drug)

Precautions

  • Risk of epidural hematoma in patients undergoing spinal puncture or epidural anesthesia

Warnings

  • Spinal/epidural hematoma risk with concomitant neuraxial anesthesia