Lovenox
Lovenox - General Information
Lovenox is a low molecular weight heparin. Lovenox is used to prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and is given as a subcutaneous injection. Lovenox binds to and accelerates the activity of antithrombin III. By activating antithrombin III, enoxaparin preferentially potentiates the inhibition of coagulation factors Xa and IIa. Factor Xa catalyzes the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, so enoxaparin s inhibition of this process results in decreased thrombin and ultimately the prevention of fibrin clot formation.
Pharmacology of Lovenox
Lovenox is a highly acidic mucopolysaccharide formed of equal parts of sulfated D-glucosamine and D-glucuronic acid with sulfaminic bridges. The molecular weight ranges from six to twenty thousand. Lovenox occurs in and is obtained from liver, lung, mast cells, etc., of vertebrates. Lovenox is a well known and commonly used anticoagulant which has antithrombotic properties. Lovenox inhibits reactions that lead to the clotting of blood and the formation of fibrin clots both in vitro and in vivo. Lovenox acts at multiple sites in the normal coagulation system. Small amounts of enoxaparin in combination with antithrombin III (enoxaparin cofactor) can inhibit thrombosis by inactivating activated Factor X and inhibiting the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. Once active thrombosis has developed, larger amounts of enoxaparin can inhibit further coagulation by inactivating thrombin and preventing the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. Lovenox also prevents the formation of a stable fibrin clot by inhibiting the activation of the fibrin stabilizing factor.
Lovenox for patients
Lovenox Interactions
Unless really needed, agents which may enhance the risk of hemorrhage should be discontinued prior to initiation of Lovenox Injection therapy. These agents include medications such as: anticoagulants, platelet inhibitors including acetylsalicylic acid, sali-cylates, NSAIDs (including ketorolac tromethamine), dipyridamole, or sulfinpyrazone. If co-administration is essential, conduct close clinical and laboratory monitoring.
Lovenox Contraindications
Lovenox Injection is contraindicated in patients with active major bleeding, in patients with thrombocytopenia associated with a positive in vitro test for anti-platelet antibody in the presence of enoxaparin sodium, or in patients with hypersensitivity to enoxaparin sodium. Patients with known hypersensitivity to heparin or pork products should not be treated with Lovenox Injection or any of its constituents.
Additional information about Lovenox
Lovenox Indication: For the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis, which may lead to pulmonary embolism, and also for the prophylaxis of ischemic complications of unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction, when concurrently administered with aspirin.
Mechanism Of Action: The mechanism of action of enoxaparin is antithrombin-dependent. It acts mainly by accelerating the rate of the neutralization of certain activated coagulation factors by antithrombin, but other mechanisms may also be involved. The antithrombotic effect of enoxaparin is well correlated to the inhibition of factor Xa. Lovenox interacts with Antithrombin III, Prothrombin and Factor X.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Enoxaparin
Synonyms: LMWH; Low Molecular Weight Heparin
Drug Category: Fibrinolytic Agents; Anticoagulants; Heparins
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved; Investigational
Other Brand Names containing Enoxaparin: Lovenox; Lovenox HP;
Absorption: Mean absolute bioavailability of enoxaparin, after 1.5 mg/kg given subcutaneously, based on anti-Factor Xa activity is approximately 100% in healthy volunteers.
Toxicity (Overdose): Mouse, median lethal dose greater than 5000 mg/kg. Another side effect is heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT syndrome). HIT is caused by an immunological reaction that makes platelets form clots within the blood vessels, thereby using up coagulation factors.
Protein Binding: 80% bound-albumin
Biotransformation: Hepatic.
Half Life: 4.5 hours
Dosage Forms of Lovenox: Solution Intravenous
Liquid Irrigation
Solution Subcutaneous
Liquid Intravenous
Solution Intraperitoneal
Chemical IUPAC Name: 6-[5-acetamido-4,6-dihydroxy-2-(sulfooxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxy-3-[5-(6-carboxy-4,5-dihydroxy-3-sulfooxyoxan-2-yl)oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-3-(sulfoamino)-4-sulfooxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-4-hydroxy-5-sulfooxyoxane-2-carboxylic acid
Chemical Formula: C26H42N2O37S5
Enoxaparin on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enoxaparin
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals