Dalteparin is alow molecular weight heparin. It is marketed asFragmin. Like other low molecular weight heparins, dalteparin is used for prophylaxis or treatment ofdeep vein thrombosis andpulmonary embolism to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack.[2] Dalteparin acts by potentiating the activity ofantithrombin III, inhibiting formation of bothFactor Xa andthrombin.[3] It is normally administered by self-injection.
The CLOT study, published in 2003, showed that in patients with malignancy and acutevenous thromboembolism (VTE), dalteparin was more effective thanwarfarin in reducing the risk of recurrent embolic events.[4] Dalteparin is not superior tounfractionated heparin in preventing blood clots.[5]
Heparins arecleared by thekidneys, but studies have shown that dalteparin does not accumulate even ifkidney function is reduced.[6] Approximately 70% of dalteparin is excreted through kidneys based on animal studies.[7]
^Douketis J, Cook D, Meade M, et al. (2008). "Prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis in critically ill patients with severe renal insufficiency with the low-molecular-weight heparin dalteparin".Arch Intern Med.168 (16):1805–1812.doi:10.1001/archinte.168.16.1805.PMID18779469.S2CID1513885.
^World Health Organization (2021).World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 22nd list (2021). Geneva: World Health Organization.hdl:10665/345533. WHO/MHP/HPS/EML/2021.02.
