Unfractionated heparin for VTE treatment

Intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH) requires intensive laboratory monitoring. It is used for patients with severe kidney impairment or for those who have a high risk of bleeding that may require rapid reversal of anticoagulation. See Practical information on using unfractionated heparin for information, including management of bleeding.

Dose unfractionated heparin according to a local protocol for VTE. If a local protocol is not available, use:

unfractionated heparin 80 units/kg intravenously as a loading dose, followed by 18 units/kg/hour by intravenous infusion, adjusted according to APTT. unfractionated heparin heparin, unfractionated heparin, unfractionated

Consult a local protocol for activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) target values or seek specialist haematologist advice.

For duration of anticoagulant therapy to treat VTE, see Duration of anticoagulant therapy for VTE.